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PREFACE. 

The " Recollections of Old Liverpool," contained 
in the following pages, appeared originally in 
the Liverpool Compass, their publication extending 
over a period of several months. 

When they were commenced it was intended to 
limit them to three, or at the most four, chapters, 
but such was the interest they created, that they 
were extended to their present length. 

Those who have recorded the green memories 
of an old man, as told while seated by his 
humble " ingle nook " have endeavoured to 
adhere to his own words and mode of narration 
— hence the somewhat rambling and discursive 
style of these '" Recollections " — a style which 
does not, in the opinion of many, by any means 
detract from their general interest. 



PREFACE. 

The frontispiece is copied (by special per- 
mission) from part of a very finely-painted view 
of Liverpool, by Jenkinson, dated 1813, in the 
possession of Thomas Dawson, Esq., Kodney- 
street. The vignette of the Mill which stood 
at the North end of the St. James' Quarry in 
the title page, is from an original water 
colour drawing by an amateur (name unknown), 
dated 1821. 

Nov ember t 1863, 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGB, 

Birth of Author ; Strong Memory; A Long-lived 
Family; Tree in St. Peter's Church-yhrd ; Cruelty 
of Town Boys ; The Ducking-stool*; The Flashes 
in Marybone ; Mode of Ducking ; George the 
Third's Birthday ; Frigates ; Launch of the Mary 
Ellen ; The Interior of a Slaver ; Liverpool Pri- 
vateers ; Unruly Crews ; Kindness of Sailors ; 
Sailors' Gifts ; Northwich Flatmen : The Salt 
Trade ; The Salt Tax ; The Salt Houses; Salt- 
house Dock; The White House and Ranelagh 
Gardens; Inscription over the Door; Copperas- 
hill; Hunting a Hare; Lord Molyneux; Miss Brent; 
Stephens' Lecture on Heads ; Mathews' " At 
Home"; Brownlow Hill; Mr. Roscoe; Country 
Walks; Moss Lake Fields; Footpads; Fairclough 
(Love) Lane; Everton Road; Loggerheads Lane; 
Richmond Row; The Hunt Club Kennels 17 



CHAPTER IL 

The Gibson's; Alderman Shaw; Mr. Christian ; Folly 
Tavern; Gardens in Follv Lane; Norton Street; 
Stafford Street; Pond by Gallows Mill; Skating 
in Finch Street; Folly Tower; Folly Fair; Fairs 
in Olden Times ; John Howard the Philanthropist; 
The Tower Prison; Prison Discipline; Gross 
Abuses ; Howard presented with Freedom ; Prisons 
of 1803; Description of Borough Gaol; Felons; 



11 CONTENTS. 



PAGB, 

Debtors; Accommodations; Escape of Prisoners; 
Cells; Court-yards; Prison Poultry; Laxity of 
Regulations; Garnish; Fees; Fever; Abuses; Ball 
Nights; Tricks played upon "Poor Debtors"; 
Execution of Burns and Donlevy for Burglary; 
Damage done by French Prisoners; their Inge- 
nuity; The Bridewell on the Fort; Old Powder 
Magazine; Wretched State of the Place; Family- 
Log; Durand — His Skill; Escape of Prisoners — ■ 
Their He-capture; Durand's Narrative — His Re- 
capture; House of Correction; Mrs. Widdows 51 



CHAPTER III. 

The Volunteers; Liverpool in '97; French Invasion; 
Panic; Warrington Coach; The Fat Councillor; 
Excitement in Liverpool; Its Defences; French 
Fisherman; Spies; Pressgangs — Cruelty Practised; 
Pressgang Rows ; Woman with Three Husbands ; 
Mother Redcap — Her Hiding-places; The Passage 
of the River ; Ferrymen ; Woodside Ahoy!; 
Cheshire an Unknown Country to Many; Length of 
Passage there ; The Rock Perch ; Wrecking; 
Smuggling; Storms ; Formby Trotters ; Woodside 
— No Dwellings there; Marsh Level; Holt HiU 
• — Oxton ; Wallasea Pool; Birkenhead Priory; Tun- 
nel under the Mersey; Tunnel at the Red Noses 
— Exploration of it; The Old Baths; Bath Street; 
The Bath Woman; The Wishing Gate; Bootle 
Organs; Sandhills; Indecency of Bathers; The 
Ladies Walk; Mrs. Hemans; the Loggerheads; 
Duke Street; Campbell the Poet; Gilbert Wake- 
field; Dr. Henderson; Incivility of the Liver- 
pool Clergy; Bellingham — His Career and His- 
tory, Crime, Death; Peter Tyrer; The Comfortable 
Coach 7$ 



CHAPTER IV. 

Colonel Bolton; Mr. Kent; George Canning; Liverpool 
Borough Elections; Divisions caused by them; 
Henry Brougham; Egerton Smith; Mr. Mulock; 
French Revolution: Brougham and the Elector on 
Reform; Ewart and Denison's Election; Conduct 
of all engaged in it; Sir Robert Peel; Honorable 



CONTENTS. Ill 



Charles Grant; Sir George Drinkwater; Anecdote 
of Mr. Huskisson; The Deputation from Hyde; 
Mr. Huskisson's opinion upon Railway Extension; 
Election Processions; The Polling; How much 
paid for Votes; Cost of the Election; Who paid 
it; Election for Mayor; Porter and Robinson; 
Pipes the Tobacconist; Duelling: Sparling and 
Grayson's Duel; Dr. McCartney; Death of Mr. 
Grayson: The Trial; Result; Court Martial on 
Captain Camiichael; His Defence; Verdict; The 
Duel between Colonel Bolton and Major Brooks; 
Fatal Result 98 



CHAPTER V. 

Story of Mr. Wainwright and Mr. Theophilus Smith; 
Burning of the Town Hall; Origin and Progress of 
the Fire; Trial of Mr. Angus 116 



CHAPTER VI. 

State of the Streets; Dale Street; The obstinate Cobbler; 
The Barber; Narrowness of Dale-street; The Car- 
riers; Highwaymen; Volunteer Officers Robbed; 
Mr. Campbell's Regiment; The Alarm; The Cap- 
ture; Improvement in Lord Street; Objections 
to Improvement; Castle Ditch; Dining Rooms; 
Castle- street; Roscoe's Bank; Brunswick-street; 
Theatre Royal Drury Lane; Cable Street; Gas 
Lights; Oil Lamps; Link Boys, Gas Company's 
Advertisement; Lord-street: Church -street; Rane- 
lagh-street; Cable-street; Redcross-street; Pond 
in Church-street: Hanover-street; Angled Houses; 
View of the River; Whitechapel; Forum in Mar- 
ble-street ; Old Haymarket; Limekiln-lane; Skel- 
horn-street; Limekilns: London-road: Men Hung 
in '45; Gallows Field; White Mill; The Supposed 
Murder ; The Grave found : Islington Market ; 
Mr. Sadler; Potteiy in Liverpool; Leece-street; 
Pothouse lane; Potteries in Toxteth Park; Watch- 
making; Lapstone Hall; View of Everton; Old 
Houses; Clayton-square; Mrs. Clayton: Cases- 
street; Parker-street; Banastre- street: Tarlton- 
street; Leigh-street: Mr. Rose and the Poets ; 
Mr. Meadows and his Wives: Xames of old 



IV CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

streets; Dr. Solomon; Fawcett and Preston's Foun- 
dry: Button-street; Manchester-street; Iron Works; 
Names of Streets, &c 1^9 



CHAPTEE VII. 

Everton; Scarcity of Lodgings there; Farm Houses 
swept away; Everton under Different Aspects; 
the Beacon; Fine View from it; View described; 
Description of the Beacon; Beacons in Olden Time; 
Occupants of the Beacon, Thurot's Expedition; 
Humphrey Brook and the Spanish Armada; Tele- 
graph at Everton; St. Domingo; The Mere Stones; 
Population of Everton 148 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

Everton Cross; Its situation; Its mysterious Disap- 
pearance; How it was Eemoved; Its Destination; 
Consternation of the Everton Gossips; Eeports 
about the Cross; The Bound House ; Old Houses ; 
Everton ; Low-hill ; Everton Nobles; History 
of St. Domingo, Bronte, and Pilgrim Estates; 
Soldiers at Everton; Opposition of the Inhabitants 
to their being quartered there; Breck-road; Boun- 
dary-lane; Whitefield House; An Adventure; Mr. 
T. Lewis and his Carriage; West Derby-road; 
Zoological Gardens; Mr. Atkins; His good Taste 
and Enterprise; Lord Derby's Patronage; Plump- 
ton's Hollow; Abduction of Miss Turner; Edward 
Gibbon Wakefield 165 



CHAPTEE IX. 

The Powder House; Moss Lake Fields; Turbary; Bridge 
over Moss Lake Gutter; Edge-hill; Mason-street; 
Mr. Joseph Williamson; His Eccentricities; His 
Originality; Marriage; Appearance; Kindness to 
the Poor; Mr. Stephenson's opinion of Mr. Wil- 
liamson's Excavations; The House in Bolton - 
street; Mr. C. H. the Artist ; Houses in High- 
street; Mr. Williamson, the lady, and the House 
to Let; How to make a Nursery; Strange N©ises 
in the Vaults ; Williamson and Dr. Barnes ; A 
strange Banquet; The surprise, &c 182 



CONTENTS. V 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER X. 

Joseph Williamson's Excavations; The future of Liver- 
pool; Williamson's Property, Changes in his Exca- 
vations of late years; Description of the Vaults and 
Passages; Tunnels; Arches; Houses in Mason- 
street; Houses without Windows; Terraced Gar- 
dens ; &c 193 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Mount Quarry; Berry-street; Rodney-street; Turn- 
ing the Tables; Checkers at Inn Doors; The De 
Warrennes Arms; Cock-fighting; Pownall Square; 
Aintree Cock Pit; Dr. Hume's Sermon; Rose Hill; 
Cazneau-street; St. Anne-street; Faulkner's Folly; 
The Haymarket; Richmond Fair 202 



CHAPTER XII. 

Great Charlotte- street; The Sans Pareil; the Audience 
there; Actors and Performances; Mr. and Mrs. 
Holloway; Maria Monk, or the Murder at the Red 
Barn; The two Sweeps; A strange Interruption; 
Stephen Price and John Templeton; Malibran; W. 
J. Hammond; the Trick played by him at the 
Adelphi Hotel; the Water Drinkers — Harrington 

or Bootle: Mr. S and the Pew in St Anne's 

Church 212 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The year 1816; Distress of all Classes; Battle of Water- 
loo; High rate of taxation; Failure of Harvest; 
Public Notice about Bread; Distress in London; 
Riots there; The Liverpool Petition; Good Be- 
haviour of the Working class in Liverpool; Great 
effort made to give relief; Amateur Performances; 
Handsome Sum realized; Enthusiasm exhibited 
on the occasion; Lord Cochrane; His Fine; Exer- 
tion of his Friends in Liverpool; The Penny 
Subscription; How the Amount was paid 221 



VI CONTEXTS. 

PAGP 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Fall of St. Nicholas' Church Spire; Dreadful calamity; 
Riots at the Theatre Royal; Half-price or Full 
Price; Incendiary Placards; Disgraceful Pro- 
ceedings; Trials of the rioters; Mr. Statham, Town 
Clerk; Attempts at Compromise; Result of Trial.. . 232 

CHAPTER XV. 

Old Favourites; Ennobled Actresses; John Kemble; his 
Farewell of Liverpool Audiences ; Coriolanus; 
Benefits in the last Century ; Paganini ; His "Won- 
derful Style ; the Walpurgis Nacht ; De Begnis ; 
Paganini's Caution ; Mr. Lewis' Liberality ; 
Success of Paganini's Engagement; Paganini at the 
Amphitheatre ; The Whistlers ; Mr. Clarke and 
the Duchess of St. Alban's ; Her kindness and 
generosity; Mr. Banks and his cook; Mrs. Banks' 
estimate of Actors ; Edmund Kean; Miss O'Neil; 
London favourites not always successful; Van- 
denhoff; Vandenhoff and Salter-off. 244 

CHAPTER XVI. 

High Price of Provisions in 1816; Highway Robberies; 
Dangerous state of Toxteth Park; Precautions 
Adopted; Sword Cases in Coaches; Robbery at 
Mr. Yates' house; Proceedings of the Ruffians; 
Their Alarm; Flight of the Footman; Escape of 
Thieves; Their Capture, Trial and Execution; 
Further Outrages ; Waterloo Hotel ; Laird's 
Roperies; The Fall Well; Alderman Bennett's 
Warehouse; The Dye House Well; Wells on 
Shaw's Brow 250 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Progress of Liverpool; Privateers; Origin of the Success 
of the Port; Children owning Privateers; Influence, 
Social and Moral; Wonderful increase of Trade; 
&c 244 



Icrdkliora ajf (Did $m$wl 



CHAPTEE I. 

1 was bom in Liverpool, on the 4th of June in 
1769 or '70. I am consequently about ninety- 
three years old. My friends say I am a wonderful 
old man. I believe I am. I have always enjoyed 
such excellent health, that I do not know what the 
sensation is of a medical man putting his finger 
on my wrist. I have eaten and drunk in moder- 
ation, slept little, risen early, and kept a clear 
conscience before God and man. My memory is 
surprising. I am often astonished at myself in 
recalling to mind events, persons, and circum- 
stances, that occurred so long ago as to be almost 

- >tten by everybody else. 

I can recollect every occurrence that has fallen 
under my cognizance,, since I was six years old. 
1 do not remember so well events that have taken 
place during the last twenty or thirty years, as they 
seem confused to me; but whatever happened of 



O RECOLLECTIONS OF 

which I had some knowledge during my boyish 
days and early manhood, is most vividly impressed 
upon my memory. My family have been long-livers . 
My father was ninety odd, when he died, my mother 
near that age at her death. My brother and 
sister are still living, are healthy, and, like myself, 
in comfortable circumstances. 

I may be seen any fine day on the Pier-head or 
Landing-stage, accompanied by one of my dear 
great grandchildren ; but you would not take me 
to be more than sixty by my air and appearance. 

We lived in a street out of Church- street, nearly 
opposite St. Peter's. I was born there. At that 
time the churchyard was enclosed by trees, and 
the gravestones were erect. One by one the trees 
died or were destroyed by mischievous boys, and 
unfortunately they were not replaced. The church 
presented then a very pretty appearance. Within 
the last thirty years there was one tree standing 
nearly opposite to the Blue Coat School. When 
that tree died, I regretted its loss as of an old 
friend. The stocks were placed just within the 
rails, nearly opposite the present extensive prem- 
ises occupied by the Elkingtons. Many and many 
a man have I seen seated in them for various 
light offences, though in many cases the punish- 
ment was heavy, especially if the culprit was 
obnoxious in any way, or had made himself so 
by his own conduct. The town boys were very 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 7 

cruel in my young days. It was a cruel time, and 
the effects of the slave-trade and privateering 
were visible in the conduct of the lower classes 
and of society generally. Goodness knows the town 
boys are cruel now, but they are angels to what 
their predecessors were. I think education has 
done some good. All sorts of mischievous tricks 
used to be played upon the culprits in the stocks ; 
and I have seen stout and sturdy fellows faint 
under the sufferings they endured. By the way, 
at the top of Marybone, there was once a large 
pond, called the Flashes, where there was a duck- 
ing-post and this was a favourite place of punishment 
when the Lynch Law of that time was carried out. 
I once saw a woman ducked there She might 
have said with Queen Catherine : — 
u Do with me what you will, 
For any change must better my condition/' 

There was a terrible row caused once by the 
rescue of a woman from the Cuckstool. At one 
time it threatened to be serious. The mayor was 
dining at my father's, and I recollect he was sent 
for in a great hurry, and my father and his guests 
all went with him to the pond. The woman was 
nearly killed, and her life for long despaired of. 
She was taken to the Infirmary, on the top of 
Shaw's Brow, where St. George's Hall now stands. 
The way they ducked was this. A long pole, 
which acted as a lever, was placed on a post ; at 



8 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the end of the pole was a chair, in which the 
culprit was seated ; and by ropes at the other end 
of the lever or pole, the culprit was elevated or 
dipped in the water at the mercy of the wretches 
who had taken upon themselves the task of 
executing punishment. The screams of the poor 
women who were ducked were frightful. There 
was a ducking tub in the House of Correction, 
which was in use in Mr. Howard's time. I once 
went with him through the prison (as I shall 
describe presently) and saw it there. It was not 
till 1804 or 1805 that it was done away with. 

My father was owner and commander of the 
Mary Ellen. She was launched oil the 4th of 
June, my birthday, and also the anniversary of 
our revered sovereign, George III. We used to 
keep his majesty's birthday in great style. The 
bells were set ringing, cannon fired, colours waved 
in the wind, and all the schools had holiday. We 
don't love the gracious Lady who presides over 
our destinies less than we did her august grand- 
father, but I am sure we do not keep her birthday 
as we did his. The Mary Ellen was launched on 
the 4th of June, 17 75. She was named after and 
by my mother. The launch of this ship is about 
the first thing I can remember. The day's pro- 
ceedings are indelibly fixed upon my memory. 
We went down to the place where the ship was 
built, accompanied by our friends. We made quite 



OLD LIVERPOOL. \J 

& little procession, headed by a drum and fife, 
3Iy father and mother walked first, leading me by 
the hand. I had new clothes on, and I firmly 
believed that the joy bells were ringing solely 
because our ship was to be launched. The Mary 
Ellen was launched from a piece of open ground 
just beyond the present Salt-house Dock, then 
called, "the South Dock."' I suppose the exact 
place would be somewhere about the middle of the 
present King's Dock. The bank on which the 
ship was built sloped down to the river. There was 
a slight boarding round her. There were several 
other ships and smaller vessels building near her ; 
amongst others, a frigate which afterwards did 
great damage to the enemy during the French 
war. The government frequently gave orders for 
ships to be built at Liverpool. The view up the 
river was very fine. There were few houses to be 
seen southward. The mills on the Aigburth- 
road were the principal objects. 

It was a pretty sight to see the Mary Ellen 
launched. There were crowds of people present, 
for my father was well-known and very popular. 
When the ship moved off there was a great cheer 
raised. I was so excited at the great " splash" 
which was made, that I cried, and was for a time 
inconsolable, because they would not launch the 
ship again, so that I might witness another great 
" splash." I can, in my mind's eve, see " the 



10 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

splash" of the Mary Ellen even now. I really 
believe the displacement of the water on that occa- 
sion opened the doors of observation in my mind. 
After the launch there was great festivity and 
hilarity. I believe I made myself very ill with 
the quantity of fruit and good things I became 
possessed of. While the Mary Ellen was htting-up 
for sea, I was often taken on board. In her hold 
were long shelves with ring-bolts in rows in 
several places. I used to run along these shelves, 
little thinking what dreadful scenes would be 
enacted upon them. The fact is that the Mary 
Ellen was destined for the African trade, in which 
she made many very successful voyages. In 1779, 
however, she was converted into a privateer. My 
father, at the present time, would not, perhaps, be 
thought very respectable ; but I assure you he was 
so considered in those days. So many people in 
Liverpool were, to use an old and trite sea-phrase, 
"tarred with the same brush" that these occupa- 
tions were scarcely, indeed, were not at all. 
regarded as anything derogatory from a man's char- 
acter. In fact, during the privateering time, 
there was scarcely a man, woman, or child in 
Liverpool, of any standing, that did not hold a 
share in one of these ships. Although a slave 
captain, and afterwards a privateer, my father was 
a kind and just man — a good father, husband, and 
friend. His purse and advice were always ready 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 11 

to help and save, and he was, consequently, much 
respected by the merchants with whom he had 
intercourse. I have been told that he was quite a 
different man at sea, that there he was harsh, un- 
bending, and stern, but still just, How he used 
to rule the turbulent spirits of his crews I don't 
know, but certain it is that he never wanted men 
when other Liverpool ship-owners were short of 
hands. Many of his seamen sailed voyage after 
voyage with him. It was these old hands that 
were attached to him who I suspect kept the others 
in subjection. The men used to make much of 
me. They made me little sea toys, and always 
brought my mother and myself presents from 
Africa, such as parrots, monkeys, shells, and 
articles of the natives' workmanship. I recollect 
very well, after the Mary Ellen had been converted 
into a privateer, that, on her return from a success- 
ful West Indian cruise, the mate of the ship, a 
great big fellow, named Blake, and who was one of 
the roughest and most ungainly men ever seen, 
would insist upon my mother accepting a beauti- 
ful chain, of Indian workmanship, to which was 
attached the miniature of a very lovely woman. I 
doubt the rascal did not come by it very honestly, 
neither w T as a costly bracelet that one of my father's 
best hands (once a N orthwich salt-flatman) brought 
home for my baby sister. This man would insist 
upon putting it on the baby somewhere, in spite of 



12 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

all my mother and the nurse could say; so, as its 
thigh was the nearest approach to the bracelet in 
size of any of its little limbs, there the bracelet was 
clasped. It fitted tightly and baby evidently did not 
approve of the ornament. My mother took it off 
when the man left. I have it now. This man 
used to tell queer stories about the salt trade, and 
the fortunes made therein, and how they used to 
land salt on stormy and dark nights on the 
Cheshire or Lancashire borders, or into boats 
alongside, substituting the same weight of water as 
the salt taken out, so that the cargo should pass 
muster at the Liverpool Custom House. The duty 
was payable at the works, and the cargo was 
re-weighed in Liverpool. If found over weight, 
the merchant had to pay extra duty ; and if short 
weight, he had to make up the deficiency in 
salt. The trade required a large capital, and 
was, therefore, in few hands. One house is 
known to have paid as much as £30,000 for duty 
in six weeks. My grandfather told me that in 
1732 (time of William and Mary), when he was a 
boy, the duty on salt was levied for a term of years 
at first, but made perpetual in the third year of 
George II. Sir E. Walpole proposed to set apart 
the proceeds of the impost for his majesty's use. 

The Salt houses occupied the site of Orford- 
street (called after Mr. Blackburne's seat in 
Cheshire). I have often heard my grandfather 



OLD LIVEKPOOL. 13 

speak of them as an intolerable nuisance, causing, at 
times, the town to he enveloped in steam and 
smoke. These Salt houses raised such an outcry at 
last that in 1703 they were removed to Garston, 
3Ir. Blackhurne having obtained an act of Parlia- 
ment relative to them for that purpose. 

The fine and coarse salts manufactured in Liver- 
pool were in the proportion of fifteen tons of North- 
wich or Cheshire rock-salt to forty-five tons of sea- 
water, to produce thirteen tons of salt. To show 
how imperishable salt must be, if such testimony 
be needed, it is a fact that, in the yard of a ware- 
house occupied by a friend of mine in Orford-street, 
the soil was always damp previous to a change of 
weather, and a well therein was of no use whatever, 
except for cleansing purposes, so brackish was the 
water. 

To return to the launch. After the feasting 
was over my father treated our friends to the 
"White House and Eanelagh Tea Gardens, which 
stood at the top of Eanelagh-street. The site is 
now occupied by the Adelphi Hotel. The gardens 
extended a long way back. Warren-street is 
formed out of them. These gardens were very 
tastefully arranged in beds and borders, radiating 
from a centre in which was a Chinese temple, 
which served as an orchestra for a band to play 
m. Round the sides of the garden, in a thicket 
lacs and laburnums, the beauty of which, in 



14 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

early summer, was quite remarkable, were little 
alcoves or bowers wherein parties took tea or 
stronger drinks. About half-way up the garden, 
the place where the Warren-street steps are now, 
there used to be a large pond or tank wherein 
were fish of various sorts. These fish were so 
tame that they would come to the surface to be 
fed. This fish feeding was a very favourite amuse- 
ment with those who frequented the garden. In 
the tank were some carp of immense size, and 
so fat they could hardly swim. Our servant- 
man used to take me to the Eanelagh Gardens 
every fine afternoon, as it was a favourite lounge. 
Over the garden door was written— 

" Yon are welcome to walk here I say, 
But if flower or fruit you pluck 
One shilling you must pay." 

The, garden paling was carried up Copperas-hill 
(cajied after the Copperas Works, removed in 1770,. 
after long litigation) across to Brownlow-hill, a 
white ropery extending behind the palings. To 
show how remarkably neighbourhoods alter by time 
and circumstance, I recollect it was said that Lord 
Molyneux, while hunting, once ran a hare down 
Copperas -hill. A young lady, Miss Harvey, who 
resided near the corner, went out to see what was 
the cause of the disturbance she heard, when 
observing the hare, she turned it back. Miss Har- 
vev used to say " the gentlemen swore terribly ' ? 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 15> 

at her for spoiling their sport. This was not 
seventy years ago ! 

To return to the Eanelagh Gardens. There 
was, at the close of the gala nights, as the}' were 
called, a display of fireworks. They were let off on 
the terrace. I went to see the last exhibition 
which took place in 1780. There was, on that 
occasion, a concert in which Miss Brent, (who 
was, by the way, a great favourite) appeared. 
Jugglers used to exhibit in the concert-room, which 
was very capacious, as it would hold at least 800 
to 1000 persons. This concert-room was also 
used as a dinner-room on great occasions, and also 
as a town ball-room. Stephens gave his lecture on 
"Heads" in it very frequently. 

G. A. Stephens was an actor, who, after playing 
about in the provincial highways and bye-ways of 
the dramatic world, went to London, where he was 
engaged at Covent Garden in second and third rate 
parts. He was a man of dissipated habits, but a 
jovial and merry companion. He wrote a great 
many very clever songs, which he sang with great 
humour. He got the idea of the lectures on 
"'Heads" from a working man about one of the 
theatres, whom he saw imitating some of the 
members of the corporation of the town in which 
he met with him. Stephens, who was quick and 
ready with his pen, in a short time got up his 
lecture, which he delivered all through England, 



16 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

Scotland, Ireland, and America. He realised 
upwards of £10,000, which he took care of, as he 
left that sum behind him at his death, in 1784. 
He was at the time, a completely worn-out, 
imbecile old man. Many of the leading actors 
of his day followed up the lecture on " Heads/' in 
which they signally failed to convey the meaning 
of the author. I saw him, and was very much 
amused; but I do not think he would be tolerated 
in the present day. The elder Mathews evidently 
caught the idea of his "At Homes" from Stephens's 
lecture. 

Brownlow-hill was so called after Mr. Lawrence 
Brownlow, a gentleman who held much property 
thereabout. Brownlow-hill was a very pleasant 
walk. There were gardens on it, as, also, on 
Mount Pleasant, then called Martindale's-hill, of 
which our friend Mr. Koscoe has sung so sweetly. 
Martindale's-hill was quite a country walk when I 
was a little boy. There was also a pleasant walk 
over the Moss Lake Fields to Edge Hill. "Where 
the Eye and Ear Infirmary stands there was a 
stile and a foot-path to the Moss Lake Brook, 
across it was a wooden foot bridge. The path after- 
wards diverged to Smithdown-lane. The path-road 
also went on to Pembroke-place, along the present 
course of Crown-street. I have heard my father 
speak of an attempt being made to rob him on passing 
over the stile which stood where now you find 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 17 

the King William Tavern. He drew his sword (a 
weapon commonly worn by gentlemen of the time) 
which so frightened the thieves that they ran away, 
and, in their flight, went into a pit of water, into 
which my father also ran in the darkness which 
prevailed. The thieves roared loudly for help, 
which my father did not stop to accord them. He, 
being a good swimmer, soon got out, leaving the 
thieves to extricate themselves as they could. 
There were several very pleasant country walks 
which went up to Low-hill through Brownlow- 
street, and by Love-lane (now F air clough- lane). 
I recollect going along Love-lane many a time with 
my dear wife, when we were sweethearting. We 
used to go to Low-hill and thence along Everton- 
road (then called Everton-lane), on each side of 
which was a row of large trees, and we returned by 
Loggerhead r s-lane (now Everton Crescent i, and so 
home by Richmond-row, (called after Dr. Sylvester 
Richmond, a physician greatly esteemed and 
respected. ) I recollect very well the brook that 
ran along the present Byrom-street, whence the 
tannery on the right-hand side was supplied with 
water. At the bottom of Richmond-row used to 
be the kennels of the Liverpool Hunt Club, They 
were at one time kept on the North-shore. 



18 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER II. 

I was very sorry when the Eanelagh Gardens were- 
broken up. The owner, Mr. Gibson, was the 
brother of the Mr. Gibson who kept the Folly 
Gardens at the bottom of Folly-lane (now Islington) 
and top of Shaw's Brow (called after Mr. Alderman 
Shaw, the great potter, who lived in Dale-street, 
at the corner of Fontenoy-street — whose house is 
still standing). Many a time have I played in the 
Folly Tea Gardens. It w r as a pretty place, and 
great was the regret of the inhabitants of Liverpool 
when it was resolved to build upon it. The Folly 
was closed in 1785. Mr. Philip Christian built 
his house, now standing at the corner of Christian- 
street, of the bricks of which the Tavern was 
constructed. The Folly was a long two-storied 
house, with a tower or gazebo at one end. Gibson, 
it was said, was refused permission to extend the 
size of his house, so "he built it upright," as he 
said "he could not build it alone:." The entrance 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 19 

to the Gardens was from Folly-lane, up a rather 
Harrow passage. I rather think the little passage 
at the back of the first house in Christian-street 
was a part of it. You entered through a wooden 
door and went along a shrubberied path which led 
to the Tavern. Folly-lane (now Islington) was a 
narrow country lane, with fields and gardens on 
both sides. I recollect there was a small gardener's 
cottage where the Friends' Institute now stands ; 
and there was a lane alongside. That lane is now 
called '-King-street-lane, Soho." I remember my 
mother, one Sunday, buying me a lot of apples for 
a penny, which were set out on a table at the gate. 
There were a great many apple, pear, and damson 
trees in the garden. When the Friends' Institute 
was building I heard of the discovery of an old 
cottage, which had been hidden from view r as it were 
for many years. I went to see it — the sight of it 
brought tears in my old eyes, for I recognised the 
place at once, and thought of my good and kind 
'mother, and her friendly and loving ways. Where 
the timber-yard was once in Norton-street, there 
used to be a farm-house. The Moss-lake stream 
ran by it on its way to Byrom-street. I can very 
well remember Xorton-street and the streets 
thereabout being formed. At the top of Stafford- 
street, laid out at the same time, there was a smithy 
and forge; the machinery of the bellows was 
turned by the water from the Moss-lake Brook, 



20 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

which ran just behind the present Mill Tavern. 
There the water was collected in an extensive dani, 
in shape like a " Ruperts' Drop," the overflow 
turned some of the mill machinery. Many and 
many a fish have I caught out of that mill-dam. 
The fields at the back, near Folly-lane, were 
flooded one winter, and frozen over, when I and 
many other boys went to slide on them. 

The Folly Gardens were very tastefully laid out . 
Mr. Gibson was a spirited person, and spared no 
expense to keep the place in order. There were 
two bowling-greens in it, and a skittle-alley. 
There was a cockpit once, outside the gardens; but 
that was many years before my time. It was laid 
bare when they were excavating for Islington 
Market. When I was a boy its whereabouts was 
not known ; it was supposed to have been of great 
antiquity, How time brings things to light! 
The gardens were full of beautiful flowers and 
noble shrubs. There was a large fish-pond in the 
middle of a fine lawn, and around it were benches 
for the guests, who, on fine summer evenings, 
used to sit and smoke, and drink a sort of compound 
called " braggart," which was made of ale, sugar, 
spices, and eggs, I believe. I used to sail a little 
ship in that pond, made for me by the mate of the 
Mary Ellen I one day fell in, and was pulled 
out by Mr. Gibson himself, who fortunately 
happened to be passing near at hand, tie took 



OLD LIVERPOOL, 21 

me in his arms dripping as I was, into the tavern 
and I was put to bed, while a man w r as sent down 
to Church-street, to acquaint my parents with my 
disaster, and for dry clothes. My mother came up 
in a terrible fright, but my father only laughed 
heartily at the accident, saying he had been 
overboard three times before he was my age. He 
must have had a charmed life, if he spoke true, 
for I don't think I could have been above eight 
years old then. My father was well acquainted 
with Mr. Gibson, and after I had got on my dry 
clothes, he took us up to the top of the Gazebo, or 
look-out tower. It was a beautiful evening, and 
the air was quite calm and clear. The view r was 
magnificent. We could see Beeston Castle quite 
plainly, and Halton Castle also, as well as the 
Cheshire shore and the Welsh mountains. The 
out seaward was truly line. Young as I was, 
1 was greatly struck with the whole scene. It was 
just at the time when the Folly Fair was held, and 
the many objects at our feet made the whole view 
oiii 1 of intense interest. The rooms in the tow r er 
were then filled with company. Folly Fair was 
Ik- Id on the open space of ground afterwards used 
as Islington Market. Booths were erected oppo- 
site the Infirmary and in Folly Lane. It was 
like all such assemblages — a great deal of noise, 
drunkenness, debauchery, and foolishness. But 
fairs were certainly different then from what they 



j 



22 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

have been of late years. They are now conducted 
in a far more orderly manner than they were for- 
merly. I went to a large one some years ago, in 
Manchester, and, on comparing it with those of my 
young days, I could hardly believe it was a fair. 
It seemed to be only the ghost of one, so grim and 
ghastly were the proceedings. 

I recollect the celebrated Mr. John Howard, 
" the philanthropist/ 5 coming to Liverpool in 1 78T. 
He had a letter of introduction to my father, and 
was frequently at our house. He was a thin, spare 
man, with an expressive eye and a determined look. 
He used to go every day to the Tower Prison at 
the bottom of Water-street ; and he exerted him- 
self greatly to obtain a reform in the atrocious 
abuses which then existed in prison discipline. In 
the present half-century there has been great pro- 
gress made in the improvement of prison discipline, 
health, and economy. Where formerly existed 
notorious and disgraceful abuses, the most abject 
misery, and the very depth of dirt, we find good 
management, cleanliness, reformatory measures, 
and firm steps taken to reclaim both the bodies 
and souls of the erring. It is a most strange cir- 
cumstance that the once gross and frightful abuses 
of the prison system did .not/or^ themselves upon 
the notice of government — did not attract the 
attention of local rulers, and cry out themselves 
for change. Still more strange is it that, although 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 23 

Mr Howard in 1787, and again in 1795, and Mr. 
James Nield (whose acquaintance I also made in 
1803), pointed out so distinctly the abuses that 
existed in our prisons, the progress of reform 
therein was strangely slow, and moved with most 
apathetic steps. Howard lifted up the veil and 
exposed to light the iniquities prevalent within 
our prison walls ; but no rapid change was notice- 
able in consequence of his appalling revelations. 
To show how careless the authorities were about 
these matters, we can see what I\Ir. Nield said 
eight years after Mr. Howard's second visit, in 
1795, in his celebrated letters to Dr. Lettsom, who, 
by the way, resided in Carnberwell Grove, Surrey, 
in the house said to have belonged to the uncle of 
George Barnwell. Now, it should be borne in 
mind that Mr. Howard actually received the free- 
dom of the borough, with many compliments upon 
his exertions in the cause of the poor inmates of the 
gaol, and yet few or no important steps were taken 
to remedy the glaring evils which he pointed out* 
Some feeble reforms certainly did take place im- 
mediately after his first and second visits to Liver- 
pool, but a retrograde movement succeeded, and 
things relapsed into their usual jog-trot way of 
dirt and disorder When Mr. Howard received 
the freedom of the borough an immense fuss was 
made about him ; people used to follow him in 
the street, and he was feted and invited to dinners 



fii BE COLLECTIONS OF 

and parties, and there was no end of speechifying. 
But what did it all come to? Why, nothings 
except a little cleaning out of passages and 
whitewashing of walls. I went with Mr. Howard 
several times over the Tower Prison, and also 
with Mr. Nield, in 1803. As it then appeared I 
will try to describe it. 

The keeper of the Tower or Borough Gaol/ 
which stood at the bottom of Water-street in 1808, 
was Mr. Edward Frodsham. who was also sergeant- 
at-niace. His salary was £130 per annum. His 
fees were 4s. for criminal prisoners, and 4s. 6d* 
for debtors. The Be v. Edward Monk was the 
chaplain. His salary was £31 10s. per annum ; 
but his ministrations did not appear to be very 
efficacious, as, on one occasion, when Mr. Nield 
went to the prison chapel in company with two of 
the borough magistrates, he found, out of one 
hundred and nine prisoners, only six present at 
divine service. The sick were attended by a 
surgeon from the Dispensary, in consideration of 
IS guineas per annum, contributed by the corpora- 
tion to that most praiseworthy institution. There 
ivas a sort of sick ward in the Tower, but it 
was a wretched place, being badly ventilated and 
extremely dirty. When Mr. Nield and I visited 
the prison in 1803, we did not find the slightest 
order or regulation. The prisoners werenOt classed f 
indeed, separated ; men and women, boys and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 25 

girls, debtor and felon, young and old, were all 
herded together, meeting daily in the court-yards 
of the prison. The debtors certainly had a yard 
to themselves, but they had free access to the 
felon's yard, and mixed unrestrainedly with them. 
The prison allowance was a three-penny loaf of lib. 
ooz. to each prisoner daily. Convicts were allowed 
6&. per day. The mayor gave a dinner at Christ- 
mas to all the inmates. Firing was found by the 
corporation throughout the building. There were 
seventy-one debtors and thirty-nine felons con- 
fined on the occasion of our visit. In one of the 
Towers there were seven rooms allotted to debtors, 
and three in another tower, in what was called " the 
master's side." The poorer debtors were allowed 
loose straw to lie upon. Those who could afford 
to do so, paid Is. per week for the use of a bed 
provided by the gaoler. The detaining creditor of 
debtors had to pay " groating money/' that is to 
say, 4d. per day for their maintenance. In the 
chapel there was a gallery, close to which were 
five sleeping-rooms for male debtors. The size of 
these cells was six feet by seven. Over the Pilot 
Office in Water-street were two rooms appropriated 
to the use of female debtors. One of these rooms 
contained three beds, the other only one. This 
latter room had glazed windows, and a fire-place, 
and was, comparatively speaking, comfortable. 
The same charge was made for the beds in these 



26 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

rooms as in other parts of the prison. The debtors 
were also accommodated with rooms in a house 
adjoining the gaol, from which, by the way, an 
escape of many of the prisoners, felon and debtor,, 
took place in 1807 — a circumstance which created 
immense public interest. When the prisoners 
were discovered, they stood at bay, and it was not 
until they were fired upon, that they surrendered, 
The criminals were lodged in seven close dungeons 
6i feet by 5 feet 9 inches. These cells were ranged 
in a passage 11 feet wide, under ground, and were 
approached by ten steps. Over each cell door was 
an aperture which admitted such light and air as 
could be found in such a place. Some improve- 
ment took place in this respect after Mr. Howard's 
visit. There was also a large dungeon or cell 
which looked upon the street, in which twelve 
prisoners were confined. This dungeon was not 
considered safe, so that only deserters were put 
into it. As many as forty persons have been 
incarcerated in it at one time. In five of the cells 
there were four prisoners ; in the other two, there 
were only three. 

The court-yards (one of which was 20 yards by 
30, the other 20 yards by 10) were kept in a most 
filthy state, although a fine pump of good water 
was readily accessible. The yards were brick- 
paved. In one yard I noticed a large dung-heap, 
which, I w^as informed, was only removed once a 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 27 

month. There were numbers of fowls about the 
yard, belonging to the prison officials and to the 
prisoners. In these yards, as may readily be sup- 
posed, scenes of great disorder took place. The 
utmost licentiousness was prevalent in the prison 
throughout. Spirits and malt liquors were freely 
introduced without let, hindrance, or concealment, 
though against the prison rules — not one of which, 
by the way, (except the feeing portion) was kept. 
The felons' " garnish/' as it was called, was 
abolished previous to 1800. but the debtors' fee 
remained. The prison was dirty in the extreme ; 
the mud almost ankle deep in some parts in the 
passages, and the walls black and grimy. There 
seemed to be no system whatever tending towards 
cleanliness, and as to health that was utterly 
disregarded. Low typhoid fever was frequently 
prevalent, and numbers were swept off by it. 
The strong prisoners used to tyranise over the 
weak, and the most frightful cases of extortion and 
cruelty were practised amongst them, while 
the conduct of the officials was culpable in the 
highest degree. At one time the chapel was let 
as an assembly room. The prisoners used to 
get up, on public ball nights, dances of their own, 
as the band could be plainly heard throughout the 
prison. The debtors used to let down a glove or 
bag by means of a stick, from their tower into the 
street, dangling it up and down to attract the 



28 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

notice of passengers, who dropped in pieces of 
money for the use of the " poor debtors," which 
money was invariably spent in feasting and 
debauchery. The town boys used to put stones 
into the bags, and highly relished the disappoint- 
ment of the "poor debtors," on discovery of their 
" treasure." 

I recollect an execution taking place in front of 
the Tower, which created an immense sensation 
throughout the country. In March 1789, two 
men named Burns and Dowling, suffered the 
extreme penalty of the law for robbing the house 
of Mrs. Graham, which stood on Eose Hill. They 
broke into the lady's dwelling, and acted with great 
ferocity. It was on the 23rd December previous, 
they entered the house, with two others, about 
seven o'clock in the morning. One stayed below, 
while the others went into the different rooms 
armed with pistols and knives, threatening the 
various members of the family with death if they 
made any alarm. They robbed some guests in the 
house of nineteen guineas, and some silver ; and 
from Mrs. Graham they took bills to a large 
amount. On the 7th January, following, Burns 
and Dowling were arrested at Bristol, in con- 
sequence of an anonymous letter sent to the mayor 
of that city, giving information of their being in 
the neighbourhood. They were on the point of 
embarking for Dublin, having several packages 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 29 

containing Mrs. Graham's property on board the 
vessel, besides £1000 in Bills of Exchange. Dow- 
ling made a fierce resistance, and would have 
escaped, but was held by the leg by a dog belong- 
ing to one of the constables. Eose Hill at that 
time was quite in the suburbs, and was a very 
iashionable locality. The town was crowded with 
strangers from all parts to witness the execution of 
these villains. Men of the present day would be 
horror-struck at the number of executions that took 
place at that time in England. I recollect once 
when in London (I was only three days going 
there) seeing three men hanging at Newgate, while 
the coal waggoners were letting off their waggons 
us stages for spectators at twopence per head. 

The various prisoners in the Tower were all re- 
moved to the new gaol, or French prison, as it was 
called, on the French being released from custody, 
at the peace of 1812. This prison, which stood 
in Great Howard-street — I little thought I should 
live to see it swept away — was designed by Mr. 
Howard. Groat Howard-street was called after 
him. The Frenchmen did so much damage to the 
gaol, that it cost £2000 to put it in order after 
their departure. These people maintained them- 
selves by making fancy articles, and carved bone 
and ivory work. I once saw a ship made by one 
of them — an exquisite specimen of ingenuity and 
craftsmanship. The ropes, which were all spun 



30 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

to the proper sizes, were made of the prisoner's 
wife's hair. I had in my possession for many 
years, two cabinets., with drawers, &e„ made of 
straw, and most beautifully inlaid. 

I went with Mr. Nield, in one of his visits to 
Liverpool, to inspect the Bridewell which stood on 
the Fort. The building was intended for a pow- 
der magazine ; but being found damp, it was not 
long used for that purpose. The keeper was 
Robert Walton, who was paid one guinea per 
week wages. There were no perquisites attached 
to this place, neither in "fees " nor "garnish." 
In fact, the prisoners confined within its dreary, 
damp walls had nothing to pay for, nor expect. 
There were no accommodations of any sort. The 
corporation certainly found " firing," but nothing 
else, either in beds or food, not even water. There 
was no yard to it, nor convenience of any kind. 
Under ground were two dreary, damp, dark vaults, 
approached by eight steps. One of them was 18 
feet by 12, the other 12 feet by 7J. They received 
a little light through iron-barred windows. Above 
w r ere two rooms. One was 18 feet by 10, the 
other 10 feet by 9. Adjoining these two rooms, 
devoid of fire-grate or windows, were two cells, 
each 5 feet by 6 feet high. The prisoners in this 
dreadful place, were herded together, unemployed 
in any way, and dependent entirely upon their 
friends for food. It was a disgrace to humanity. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 31 

It was damp, dirty, and in a most miserable 
condition. 

An interesting circumstance connected with the 
Tower I find detailed in a book of my father's, 
which he called " The Family ~LogT It relates to 
the escape of some prisoners-of-war confined in the 
Tower. My father in this " Log,'"' used to enter 
up at the week's end any little circumstance of 
interest that might have come under his notice. 
At the date of Sunday, May 6th, 1759, I find 
es That fifteen French prisoners escaped from the 
Tower, Durand amongst the number"; and then 
follows a narrative which I shall presently trans- 
cribe. I may say, incidentally, that the prisoners- 
of-war in the Tower were principally Frenchmen, 
who had been captured during some of our naval 
engagements with them. They employed their 
time in making many curious and tasteful articles, 
and displayed great ingenuity in many ways. 
Discipline in the Tower was not very stringent, so 
that escapes of prisoners frequently occurred. 
From the want of energy displayed by the authori- 
ties in recapturing those that did escape, it was 
thought that government was not sorry to get rid 
of some of these persons at so easy a rate, for they 
were a great burden on the nation. The reason 
why Durand's name was mentioned as one of those 
who had fled, was this : — my mother had a very 
curiously-constructed foreign box, which had been 



82 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

broken, and which the tradesmen in the town had 
one and all declined even to attempt to repair. As 
" the Frenchmen " in the Tower were noted for 
their ingenuity, my father made some inquiry as 
to whether any of them would undertake the 
restoration of this box. Amongst others to whom 
it was shown was one Felix Durand, who at once 
said he would try to put it in order if my father 
was in no hurry for it, as it would be a tedious 
task in consequenee of having so many separate 
pieces to join together, and it would be necessary 
to wait the fast binding of each cemented piece 
to its corresponding fragment. 

My father often went to see Durand, and was 
much pleased with his conversation, amusing 
stories, and natural abilities. My father spoke 
French well, so that they got on capitally together, 
and the consequence was that my father obtained 
several little favours for him, and even interceded 
with some friends in the government to obtain his 
release. Durand knew of this, and, therefore, when 
nry father found he had escaped with the others, 
he was much annoyed as it completely frustrated 
his good intentions towards him. My father used 
to tell us that according to agreement he went for 
his box on a certain day when it was to be finished. 
On reaching the gaol he was told of the escape of 
the party, and that some of them had already been 
recaptured. It seems that as soon as they got 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 33 

into the street the party dispersed, either singly 
or in twos and threes ; hut having neither food nor 
money, and heing quite ignorant of the English 
language or the localities round Liverpool, they 
were quite helpless and everywhere betrayed who 
they were, what they were, and where they came 
from. Some fell in with the town watchmen; 
others struck out into the country, and after 
wandering about in a starved, hungry, and miser- 
able state, were very glad to get back to their old 
shelter, bad as they thought it. and hardly as they 
considered they had been treated. They admitted 
that their party was too large, that they had no 
friends to co-operate with them outside, and no 
plan of action which was possibly or likely to be 
carried out successfully. The lot of these, how- 
ever, was not shared by ail, for Durand, as will be 
seen by his recital, had not done amiss, thanks to 
his wit, ingenuity, and cleverness. 

The following is Durand's narrative : — 

" As you know, Monsieur Lc Capitaine (he always- 
called my father so), I am a Frenchman, fond of liberty 
and change, and this detestable prison became so very 
irksome to me, with its scanty food and straw beds on 
the floor, that I had for some time determined to make 
my escape and go to Ireland, where I believe sympathies 
are strong towards the French nation. I am, as you 

know, acquainted with Monsieur P , who resides in 

Dale -street ; I have done some work for him. He has a 
niece who is toute a faite charmante, She has been a 



34 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

constant ambassador between us, and has brought me 
work frequently, and taken charge of my money when I 
have received any, to deposit with her uncle on my 
account. I hold that young lady in the highest consider- 
ation. This place is bad for anyone to have property in, 
although we are in misery alike. Some of us do not 
know the difference between my own and thy own. We 
have strange communist ideas in this building. Now 
*' Monsieur Le Capitaine" you want to know how I got 
away, where I went, and how I came back. I will tell 
you. I could not help it. I have had a pleasing three 
months' holiday, and must be content to wait for peace 
ox death, to release me from this sacre place. The niece 

of Monsieur P is very engaging, and when I have 

liad conversation with her in the hall where we are 
permitted to see our friends, I obtained from her the 
information that on the east side of our prison there were 
two houses which opened into a short narrow street. One 
of these houses had been lately only partly tenanted, 
while the lower portion of it had been under repair. 
Mademoiselle is very complacent and kind. She took the 
trouble to go for me to the house and examine it, and 
reported that there w r as an open yard under the eastern 
prison- wall, and if anybody could get through that wall 
he might easily continue his route through the house and 
into the street. My mind was soon made up. I imparted 
my intention to my companions. There were fifteen of 
us, altogether, penned up at night in a vile cell or vault, 
and, of course, the intended escape could not be kept a 
secret ; what was known by one, must be known by all* 
We all resolved to escape. Our cell was dirty and 
miserable. We obtained light and air from the street as 
well as from a grating over the door. Choosing a some- 
what stormy night, we commenced by loosening the 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 35 

stonework in the east wall. Now we knew that after we 
were locked up for the night we should not be disturbed, 
and if we could not effect the removal of the stones in 
one night, there would be no fear of discovery during the 
next day, as we were seldom molested by any of the 
gaolers. We could walk about the prison just as we liked 
and mix with the other prisoners, whether felons or 
debtors. In fact your Liverpool Tower contains a large 
family party. We worked all night at the wall, and just 
before daybreak contrived to remove a large stone and 
soon succeeded in displacing another, but light having at 
length broken, we gathered up all the mortar and rubbish 
we had made, stuffing some of it into our beds, and 
covering the rest with, them in the best way we could. 
To aid us in preventing the gaoler discovering what we 
had been about, one of our party remained in bed when 
the doors were unlocked, and we curtained the window 
grating with a blanket, stating that our compatriote was 
very ill and that he could not bear the light. We had no 
dread of a doctor coming to visit him, for unless special 
application was made for medical attendance on the sick 
nobody seemed to care whether we lived or died. The 
day passed over without any suspicions arising from our 
preparations. The afternoon set in stormy, as the preced- 
ing evening had done, and in the course of the night of 
our escape we had a complete hurricane of rain and wind, 
which eventually greatly favoured us by clearing the 
streets of any stragglers who might be prowling about. 
No sooner were we locked in at night than we recom- 
menced our work at the wall, and were not long in 
making a hole sufficient to allow a man to creep through, 
which one of us did. He reported himself to be in an 
open yard, that it was raining very heavily, and that the 
night was affreuse ; we all then crept through. We found 



36 -KECOLLECTIONS OF 

ourselves in a dark yard, with a house before us. We 
obtained a light in a shed on one side of the yard, and 
then looked about. We found a sort of cellar door by the 
side of a window. We tried to open it : to our surprise it 
yielded. Screening our light we proceeded into a passage, 
taking off our shoes and stockings first (some of us had 
none to take off, poor fellows !) so that we should make 
no noise. The house was quite still ; we scarcely dared 
to breathe. We went forward and entered a kitchen in 
which were the remains of a supper. We took possession 
of all that was eatable on the table. It was wonderful 
that nobody heard us, for one of us let fall a knife after 
cutting up a piece of beef into pieces, so that each man 
might have a share. Although there were people in the 
house no one heard us ; truly you Englishmen sleep well I 
Before us was a door — we opened it. It was only a closet. 
We next thought of the window, for we dared not climb 
up stairs to the principal entrance. We tried the shutters 
which we easily took down and. fortunately without noise, 
opened the window, through which one of us crept to 
reconnoitre. He was only absent about a minute or two, 
returning to tell us that not a soul was to be seen any- 
where ; that the wind was rushing up the main street 
from the sea, and that the rain was coming down in 
absolute torrents. Just as the neighbouring church clock 
struck two we were assembled under an archway together. 
We determined to disperse, and let every man take care 
of himself. Bidding my friends good bye I struck out 
into the street. At first I thought of going to the river, 
but suddenly decided to go inland. I therefore went 
straight on, passed the Exchange, and down a narrow 
street facing it (Dale-street) in which I knew mademoiselle 
dwelt. I thought of her, but had no hope of seeing her 
as I did not know the house wherein she resided, I 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 6t 

poshed on, therefore, until I came to the foot of a hill ; I 
thought I would turn to the left, but shutting my eyes 
with superstitious feelings I left myself to fate, and 
determined to go forward with my eyes closed until I had 
by chance selected one of the four cross roads [Old Hay- 
market. Townsend-lane (now Byrom- street). Dale-street,. 
and Shaw's-brow] which presented themselves for my 
choice. 

f; I soon found I was ascending a hill, and on opening 
my eyes I discovered that I was pursuing my route in an 
easterly direction. I passed up a narrow street with low 
dirty-looking houses on each side, and from the broken 
mugs and earthenware my feet encountered in the dark- 
ness. I felt sure I was passing through the outskirts of 
Liverpool — famous for its earthenware manufactures. 
During all this time I had not seen a living thing ; in 
fact it was scarcely possible for anything to withstand 
the storm that raged so vehemently. In this. however, 
rested my safety. I sped on, and soon mounting the hill 
paused by the side of a large windmill (Townsend mill) 
which stood at the top of London-road. Having gained 
breath I pushed forward, taking the road to the right 
hand which ran* before me (then called the road to 
Prescot). I began now to breathe freely and feel some 
hope in my endeavour to escape. My limbs, which, from 
long confinement in prison, were stiff at first, now felt 
elastic and nimble and I pushed on at a quick pace, the 
wind blowing at my back the whole time : still onward 
I went until I got into a country lane and had another 
steep hill to mount. The roads were very heavy. The 
sidewalk was badly kept, and the rain made it ankle- 
deep with mud. On surmounting the hill, which I 
afterwards learned was called Edge-hill, I still kept on 
to the right hand road, which was lined on both sides 



38 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

with high, trees. I at length arrived at a little village 
(Wavertree) as a clock was striking three ; still not a 
soul was visible. I might have been passing through 
a world of the dead. After traversing this village I saw, 
on my left hand, a large pond, at which I drew some 
water in my cap. I was completely parched with my 
unusual exertions. Eesting under a large tree which 
proved some shelter, I ate up the bread and meat I had 
procured from the kitchen of the house through which 
we had escaped. Having rested about half-an-hour I 
again started forward. I now began to turn over in my 
mind what I should do. I felt that if I could get to 
Ireland I could find friends who would assist me. I 
knew a French priest in Dublin on whom I could rely for 
some aid. I at length hit upon a course of action which 
I determined to pursue. Through narrow lanes I went, 
still keeping to the right, and after walking for more than 
an hour I found myself in a quaint little village (Hale) in 
which there was a church then building. The houses were 
constructed principally of timber, lath, and piaster, and 
were -apparently of great antiquity. Onward still I went, 
the rain beating down heavily and the wind blowing. In 
about a quarter of an hour I gained a sight of the river 
or the sea, I know not which, but I still continued my 
road until I came up to a little cottage, the door of which 
opened just as I was passing it. An old woman came 
out and began to take down the shutters. Now, as I 
came along the road I had made up my mind to personate 
a deaf and dumb person, which would preclude the neces- 
sity of my speaking. I felt I could do this well and 
successfully. I determined to try the experiment upon 
this old lady. I walked quietly up to her, took the shut- 
ters out of her hands and laid them in their proper places. 
I then took a broom and began sweeping away the water 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 39 

which had accumulated in front of her cottage, and 
seeing a kettle inside the door I walked gravely into the 
house, took it up, and filled it at a pump close by. 
The old woman was dumb -struck. Not a word did she 
say, but stood looking on with mute amazement, which 
was still more intensely exhibited when I went to the 
fire-place, raked out the cinders, took up some sticks and 
commenced making a fire. Not a word passed between 
us. It was with great difficulty I could keep my coun- 
tenance. We must have looked a curious couple. The 
woman standing staring at me, I sitting on a three- 
legged stool, with my elbows on my knees looking stead- 
fastly at her. At length she broke this unnatural silence. 
Speaking in her broad Lancashire dialect I could scarcely 
make her out. My own deficiency in not understanding 
much English increased my difficulty, but I understood 
her to ask " Who I was, and whither I was going." This 
she repeated until, having sufficiently excited her curiosity, 
I opened my mouth very wide, kept my tongue quite close 
so that it might seem as if I had none, and with my 
fingers to my ears made a gesture that I was deaf and 
-dumb. She then said, " Poor man, poor man," with great 
feeling and gave me a welcome. So I sat before the fire, 
and commenced drying my clothes, which were saturated 
during my walk. I suppose I must have fallen asleep, 
for the next thing I noticed was a substantial meal laid 
on the table, consisting of bread, cold bacon, and beer, 
pointing to the food the old woman motioned to me to 
partake, and this I was not loath to do. I made a hearty 
meal. I should tell you, before we sat down to the table 
I had pulled out my pockets to show her I had no money. 
"The woman made a sign that she did not want payment 
for her kindness. When we had finished our meal I 
looked about me, and seeing that several things wanted 



40 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

putting to rights, such as emptying a bucket, getting in 
some coals, and cleaning down the front pavement of the 
house, I commenced working hard as some repayment for 
the hospitality I had received. We Frenchmen can turn 
our hands to almost anything, and my dexterity quite 
pleased the old lady. While I was busily sweeping the 
hearth, I heard the sound of a horse's feet coming swiftly 
onward. Terror-struck, I did a foolish thing. Fancying 
it must be some one in pursuit of me, I dropped the little 
broom I was using, seized my cap from one of the chairs, 
opened the back door of the cottage, and fled along the 
garden walk, over- leaped a hedge, crossed a brook, and 
was off like a hunted hare across the open fields. This 
was a silly proceeding, because if the horseman had been 
any one in pursuit, the chances were that, should he have 
entered the cottage, I might not have . been recognized ; 
and if I had simply hid myself in some of the out- 
buildings that were near I might have escaped notice 
altogether, while by running across the fields I exposed 
myself to observation, and to be taken. When half over 
a field I found there a small clump of trees, and a little 
pond. Down the side of this pond I slipped and hid 
myself amongst the rushes ; but I need not have given 
myself any anxiety or trouble, for I saw the horseman, 
whatever might have been his errand, flying along the 
winding road in the distance. 

Having satisfied myself of my security, I started off 
and soon found myself on the highroad again, and after 
a time I came near a fine old mansion which presented a 
most venerable appearance. I could not stop, however, to 
look at it, for I found I had taken a wrong turn and was 
going back to Liverpool. I therefore retraced my steps 
and passed on, going I know not whither. After walk- 
ing for about an hour in a southerly direction, feeling 



OLD LIVERPOOL. -41 

tired and seeing a bam open I went to it and found two 
men therein threshing wheat. I made signs to them that I 
was deaf and dumb, and asked leave to lie in the straw. 
They stared at me very much, whispered amongst them- 
selves, and at length, made a sign of assent. I fell asleep. 
When I awoke the sun was up and bright, while all trace 
of the night-storm had disappeared. I wondered at first 
where I was. Seeing the fresh straw lying about, an idea 
struck me that I could earn a few pence by a little handi- 
work. I thereupon commenced making some straw 
baskets, the like of which you have often seen myself and 
fellow-prisoners manufacture. By the time I had com- 
pleted two or three the men came again into the barn and 
began to work with their flails. I stepped forward with 
my baskets, which seemed to surprise them. The like 
they had evidently never seen before — they examined 
them with the greatest attention. One of the men, 
pulling some copper money out of his pocket, offered it 
for one of them. Grateful for the shelter I had received, 
I pushed back the man's hand which contained the money 
and offered him the basket as a present, pointing to my 
bed of straw. The honest fellow would not accept it, 
saying I must have his money. I therefore sold him one 
of the baskets, and another was also purchased by one of 
the other men. They seemed astonishingly pleased with 
their bargains. Just as they had concluded their dealings 
with me a big man came into the barn, who I found out 
was the master. The men showed him the baskets and 
pointed to me, telling the farmer that I was a u dumby 
and deafy." The big farmer hereupon bawled in my ear 
the question, "who was I, and where had I come from ? M 
I put on a perfectly stolid look although the drum of my 
ears was almost split by his roaring. The farmer had a 
soft heart, however, in his big and burlv frame. Leaving 



42 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the barn, he beckoned me to follow him. This I did. He 
went into the farm-house, and calling his wife, bade her 
get dinner ready. A capital piece of beef, bread, and 
boiled greens or cabbages were soon on the table, to 
which I sat down with the farmer and his wife. Their 
daughter, soon after we had commenced eating, came in. 
Her attention was immediately attracted by my remaining 
basket, which I had placed by them. I got up from the 
table and presented it to her. Her father then told her 
of my supposed infirmities. I could scarcely help laughing 
while I heard them canvass my personal appearance, my 
merits and demerits. Pity, however, seemed to be the 
predominant feeling. When the dinner was over, I hap- 
pened to look up at an old clock and saw that it had 
stopped. I went up to it, and took it from the nail. I 
saw it wanted but very little to make it go again. I 
therefore quietly, but without taking notice of my com- 
panions, set to work to take off the face and do the needful 
repairs. A pair of pincers on the window-ledge and some 
iron wire, in fact, an old skewer, were all the tools neces- 
sary ; and very soon, to the satisfaction of my host, his 
wife, and his fair daughter, the clock was set going as 
well as it ever had done. The farmer slapped me on the 
back and gave me great encouragement. I then cast my 
eyes about to see what I could do next. I mended a 
chair, repaired a china image, cleaned an old picture, and 
taking a lock from a door, repaired it, altering the key,. 
so that it became useful. In fact, I so busied myself, and 
with such earnestness that by night-time I had done the 
farmer a good pound's worth of repairing. I then had 
my supper, and was made to understand I might sleep in 
the barn, if I liked. On the next morning the farmer's 
daughter found me very busy in the yard with the pigs, 
which I was feeding : in fact, the whole of that day I 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 43 

worked hard, because I thought if I could remain where 
I was until the wonder of our escapade was over, I might 
eventually get away altogether from England by some 
unforeseen piece of good fortune. For some time I 
worked at this farm, for, as if by mutual consent of the 
farmer and myself, I remained, getting only my food for 
my work; however, at the end of each week the farmer's 
wife gave 2ne quietly some money. I made several little 
fancy articles for Mademoiselle which she seemed highly 
to prize ; but it was through her that I left my snug 
quarters. The principal labourer on the farm was courting, 
on the sly, this young woman, and I noticed he became 
sulky with me, as Miss Mary on several occasions selected 
me to perform some little service for her. From an ex- 
pression I heard him make use of to one of the other men 
I felt sure he was about to do me some act of treachery 
and unkindness, and, as I was no match for the great 
Hercules he seemed to be, I thought it best to leave the 
place, as any disturbance might draw down attention 
upon me too closely. I therefore put up my spare clothes, 
some of which had been given to me by the farmer's 
wife — a kindly, Christian woman she was — and hiding 
my little store of money securely in my breeches' waist- 
band, very early one fine morning I set off with a heart, 
by no means light, from the place where I had been so 
well-treated, not knowing where on earth to go or what 
next to do. Before I went, however, to show I was 
grateful for their kindness, I made up a little parcel which 
I addressed to the farmer's wife, in which I put a tobacco- 
box for Mr. John Bull, a bodkin-case for herself, and a 
little ring for Miss Mary, all of which I had made in my 
leisure time. I dare say they were sorry to part with me. 
I am sure Miss Mary was, for I fancied she suspected I was 
not what I seemed, and had begun to take an evident 



44 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

liking to me. I had taught her some French modes of 
cooking, which excited surprise, as well as gratification 
to their palates, and I taught her also two or three little 
ways of making fancy articles that pleased her exceed- 
ingly. It was through her manifesting a preference for 
me that, as I have told you, Monsieur le Capitaine, I 
felt obliged to absent myself from her father's employ- 
ment. It was most difficult at first to restrain myself 
from talking. But I soon got over that, for when I was 
about to speak I made an uncertain sort of noise, which 
turned off suspicion. That the head labourer had some 
doubt about me, I verily believe. I thought at first I 
would try to get to London, but the roads thereto, I 
learnt, were so bad and travelling so insecure, even for 
the poorest, that I considered it best to remain in this 

neighbourhood, as I wanted to see Madamoiselle P 

once more, and settle with her uncle for the money of 
mine in his hands. I thought if I could only communicate 
with him he would befriend me, so I went on my way. 

" I travelled all that day until I got into a place called 
Warrington, by the side of a river. It is a town full of 
old quaint houses built of timber and plaster. I was very 
tired when I arrived there at nightfall, but obtained 
shelter in an old house near the bridge, and as I had the 
money my mistress gave me I bought some food at a 
little shop ; a Frenchman does riot want very heavy 
meals, so that I did pretty well. The next day I went to 
a baker's and got some more bread. I interested the 
baker's wife, and when she found I was deaf and dumb, 
she not only would not take money for her bread, but also 
gave me some meat and potatoes. It seemed she- had a 
relation affected as I was supposed to be. I then went 
out to a farm-yard, and having begged some straw I 
turned go my never-failing fountain of help — basket 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 45 

making. I made a number of baskets and other little 
things, all of which on taking into the town I sold readily. 
I begged some more straw of a man at a stable, and set to 
work again. I sold off my baskets and fancy articles 
much quicker than I could make them. I soon got so 
well known that I excited some attention : but one day 
being at a public tavern, where I had gone to deliver a 
basket ordered, the word ' Liverpool' fell upon my ears 
and caused me to tremble. Near me sat two men who 
looked like drovers. They were talking about Liverpool 
affairs : one of them told the other that there had been 
lately a great fire near the dock, where a quantity of 
provisions had been burnt, and much property destroyed 
besides. They then spoke of the escape of my companions 
and myself, and for the first time heard of their fate, and 
how, one by one, they had been recaptured or willingly 
returned. I then heard of their trials and the miseries 
they had encountered. The drovers also spoke of one 
prisoner who had disappeared and got away completely, 
but that there was a hot search after him, as he, it was 
supposed, was the ringleader in the late outbreak, and 
that it was planned and carried out by him. I felt that 
they alluded to myself, and that this place would grow too 
warm for me, as I knew that I was already an object of 
public remark, owing to my supposed infirmities and the 
extraordinary dexterity of my fingers. It will be recol- 
lected that I bought some bread at a little shop near the 
market-place. Passing there the day after I arrived, I 
saw a bill in the window bearing the words " lodgings to 
let:' I, therefore, by signs made the woman of the shop 
comprehend that I wanted such accommodation. I took 
the bill out of the window, pointed to the words, and then 
to myself ; then I laid my hand on my head as if in the 
attitude of sleep. The good woman quite comprehended 



46 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

me, and nodding her head to my dumb proposition led the 
way np a small flight of stairs, and at once installed me 
in the vacant room. It was small and poorly furnished, 
but very clean. I soon made myself at home : and never 
wanted anything doing for me, so that the widow's 
intercourse with me was very limited. I knew I could 
not write without betraying my foreign origin, so the 
way I did first was to get a book and pick out words 
signifying what I wanted, and from these words the good 
woman made out a sentence. I wanted so little that we 
had no difficulty in making out a dialogue. After hearing 
the talk of the drivers I determined to leave the town 
without delay, for my fears of recapture quite unmanned 
me, making me needlessly dread any intercourse with 
strangers. Having thus resolved to leave Warrington 
I bade goodbye to my kind landlady, giving her a trifle 
over her demand, and then shaped my way to the north- 
ward. I went to several towns, large and small, and 
stayed in Manchester a week, where I sold what I made 
very readily. My supposed infirmities excited general 
commiseration everywhere, and numerous little acts of 
kindness did I receive. I wandered about the neighbour- 
ing towns in the vicinity for a long time, being loth to 
leave it for several reasons ; in fact I quite established a 
connection amongst the farmers and gentry, who employed 
me in fabricating little articles of fancy work and repair- 
ing all sorts of things most diverse in their natures and 
uses. At one farm-house I mended a tea-pot and a plough- 
share, and at a gentleman's house, near St. Helen's, 
repaired a cart, and almost re-built a boat, which was used 
on his fish-pond. I turned my hand to any and everything. 
I do not say I did everything well, but I did it satisfac- 
torily to those who employed me. I now began to be 
troubled about my money which was accumulating, being 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 47 

obliged to carry it about with me, as I feared being 
pillaged of it. I therefore resolved on coming back to 

Liverpool and finding out Monsieur P at all hazards s 

trusting to chance that I should not be recognised. "Who 
could do so ? Who would know me in the town save the 
Tower gaolers who would scarcely be out at night ; even 
they would not recollect me in the dark streets of the 
town ? When this resolve came upon me I was at a place 
called Upholland where I had been living three or four 
days, repairing some weaver's looms — for there are a good 
many weavers in that little town. I had nearly finished 
the work I had undertaken, and was intending to come to 
Liverpool direct at the end of the following week, when 
my design was frustrated by a curious and most unexpected 
circumstance. About three miles from Upholland there is 
a very high hill called Ashurst. On the top of this is 
a beacon tower which looks at a distance like a church- 
steeple rising over the top of the hill, just as if the body 
of the church were on^the other side of the crest. This 
beacon is intended to communicate alarm to the neighbour- 
ing country in war time, it being one of a line of beacons 
to and from different places. I had once or twice walked 
to this high place to enjoy the fine prospect. On Sunday 
last I had gone there and extended my walk down the 
hill to a place where the road, after passing a pretty old 
entrance-gateway, moat, and old hall, dips very prettily 
down to a bridge over a small stream. This bridge 
(Cobb's Brow Bridge) is covered with ivy, and is very 
picturesque. Just before the road rather abruptly descends 
there are, on the right hand side of it, a number of remark- 
ably old and noble oak trees, quite giants. Some are 
hollowed out, and one is so large that it will accommodate 
several persons. This tree has been used by what you call 
gipsies — and shows that fire has been made in it. 



48 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

" Well, on Sunday, in the afternoon, I was sitting under 
one of these fine old trees, when I saw a cavalcade coming 
down the road, consisting of two ladies and a gentleman 
mounted on fine horses, and attended by two serving-men 
or grooms. When the party had arrived opposite the 
trees they stopped to examine them, when one of the 
ladies, struck with the wonderful size of the largest tree, 
expressed her admiration of it in very purely-pronounced 
French. I was so surprised that I became completely 
unnerved, was thrown off my guard, and, in the excite- 
ment of the moment, at hearing my native tongue so 
beautifully pronounced, sprang up, and rushing forward 
echoed in my own tongue the lady's commendation of 
those grand old trees. I immediately found out my error, 
for, to my grief, the other young lady, whom I at once 
recognized, exclaimed — "Why this is the dumb man who 
was at the Hall the other day repairing the broken glass 
vases ! " I at first denied that such was the case, but on 
the grooms coming up they both netdentified me. In fact, 
I knew both from having applied to the younger of the 
two, only a few days previously, to obtain for me employ- 
ment in the house of his master, in any way my services 
could be made available. Thus I had, through him 
obtained permission to repair the vases which had been 
much injured, and which I had most successfully put in 
order. The gentleman then asked me who I was, called 
me an impostor, and ordered his servants to seize me. 
This they did, when I at once admitted who I was and 
where I came from. The gentleman, although entreated 
most earnestly by the ladies to allow me to go away, 
would not consent to his servants releasing me, but 
ordered them to take me to Ormschurch (Ormskirk), 
about five miles distant, and have me put into the little 
prison there, which you call the cage. The ladies, with 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 4£ 

tears in their eyes, on seeing me thus seized by the servant- 
men, bade them not use me roughly, and one of them 
slipped a gold piece into my hand, bidding me in French 
to be of good cheer, for there was a talk of immediate 
peace, when I should be released. The gentleman rode 
away calling the young ladies to follow him without 
delay, bidding, at the same time, the servants to see that 
I was delivered over to the proper authorities at Orms- 
church, so that I might be transmitted to Liverpool. As 
soon as the master and the ladies were out of sight, one 
of the men, who rode a stout horse, bade me get up 
behind him. which I did, and in about an hour we arrived 
in the town. It was full of people in their Sunday 
clothes. My appearance attracted some notice, I was 
pitied by some, execrated by others, and followed by 
crowds of boys. After waiting in the street some time 
I was taken before a stout, growling old gentleman, who 
ordered me to be locked up until the next morning, and 
and to have meat and drink given me. I was then to be 
taken to Liverpool and delivered over to my gaoler again. 
In accordance with this order I was put into a small 
square room, on the floor of which was a quantity of 
straw. There were benches fixed in the walls. There 
was no fire-place and it was sadly uncomfortable. How- 
ever, soon after I was locked up, I received a good supply 
of bread, meat, and beer ; and, as the straw was tolerably 
fresh and clean, I did not fare so badly. I therefore lay 
down, covered myself up with the straw, and was soon 
fast asleep. I awoke once, but as everything was dark,. 
I composed myself to sleep again and did not awake 
until morning. About six o'clock, as I knew by the 
church-clock hard by, I was aroused and told to be ready 
to start for Liverpool, whereupon I presented myself at 
the door, andfound an open cart in waiting. Into this I 



50 KECOLLECTIOXS OF 

was put, and, after a tiresome journey over some of the 
worst roads I had ever seen in my life, I arrived here last 
night, having enjoyed a three months' holiday to my great 
satisfaction. Here, then, I am, waiting for death or 
peace to release me. I shall now finish your box if you 
are not too offended with me for neglecting your com- 
mission so long. I may tell you that Madamoiselle P 

was here this morning ; tears were in her lovely eyes, and 
she seemed very glad to see me back, at which I somewhat 
wondered, especially if she esteemed me. I should have 
thought she would rather have relished my escaping 
altogether, than being again caught." 

Here ends Durand' s narrative. 

My father appends a note to the effect that, 
through the intervention of Sir Edward Cunliffe, 
one of the members for Liverpool, Durand was 
released from the Tower, and went to reside with 
Mr. P , in Dale-street. At the date of Sep- 
tember following there is a memorandum to the 

effect that M. Durand and Miss P had become 

man and wife, so that, as my father quaintly adds, 
lie supposes M. Durand had by that time found 

out why it was that old P 's niece was so glad 

to see him again in prison. 

The House of Correction stood at the back of 
the present Fever Hospital, the entrance being in 
Mount Pleasant. It w r as in Mr. Howard's time 
a most miserably managed place. In 1790 it was 
a vile hole of iniquity. There was a whipping- 
post, for instance, in the yard, at which females 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 51 

were weekly in the receipt of punishment. There 
was also "a cuekstool," or clucking tub, where 
refractory prisoners were brought to their senses, 
and in which persons on their first admission into 
the gaol were ducked, if they refused or could not 
pay *•' a garnish." This barbarous mode of punish- 
ment was common in Lancashire, and Cheshire. 
This prison was in the course of the following 
years much improved, as it was found by Mr. 
Neild very clean and orderly through the exertions 
of Mrs. Widdows, the keeper. Mrs. Widdow's 
salary was £63 per annum. She had resolutely 
put down the cuckstool. and the whipping-post 
was becoming in a complete state of desuetude. 
A pump in the men's yard was used as a place of 
occasional punishment for the stubborn and refrac- 
tory. The prisoners were without any instruction, 
secular or religious. No chaplain attended. The 
allowance to each prisoner was a two-penny loaf, 
two pounds of potatoes, and salt daily. I believe, 
from all I could learn, that the Liverpool prisons, 
bad as they undoubtedly were at the close of the 
last and the begining of the present century, were 
in better condition than others elsewhere. 



52 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER III. 

One of my great-grandsons — a fine young fellow 
fellow, lias joined the Volunteers : and seems deter- 
mined to work his way to a commission. I 
cannot help smiling when I see him in his 
uniform, for he reminds me of my young days, 
when I was a full private in Pudsey Dawson's 
Liverpool Volunteers. I don't think the volun- 
teers of this day are so smart-looking as they were 
of olden time, when they wore blue coats, white 
breeches, gaiters and pig-tails, and used pipe-clay 
in abundance. When we were reviewed on Moss- 
Lake Fields we made a gallant show. There are 
fine young fellows now, but somehow the dark 
rifle-dress looks sombre and dull. Pudsey 
Dawson's regiment consisted of eight companies 
of infantry, and mustered 1200 strong. 

The mettle of the Liverpool men was shown in 
1797, for some time about the end of February or 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 58 

the beginning of March, in that year the whole 
town was put into the utmost fright, confusion and 
excitement. Two French frigates having landed 
in Cardigan Bay upwards of 2,000 men, it was 
reported in Liverpool (the report being traced to 
the master of a little Welsh coasting smack, who 
had come from Cardigan) that the French were 
marching on to Liverpool to burn, sack and 
plunder it, in revenge for the frigates which had 
been launched from her yards, and the immense 
losses sustained by the French mercantile marine 
through the privateers that hailed from this port. 
Owing to the low state of education then prevalent 
amongst the lower — and, indeed, in the middle 
classes — very few knew where Cardigan Bay was 
situated ; and I very much question whether, if a 
map of Europe, or of England and Wales, had 
been shown, nine people out of ten could, without 
much difficulty, have pointed out the place. 
But that the French had landed in Cardigan Bay 
was a known fact ; and it was firmly believed 
that they were on their way to Liverpool, destroy- 
ing every thing on their march. It was fully 
believed also that the privateers which swarmed 
out of our docks were the cause of this exhibition 
of ill-feeling towards us. It may be fairly stated 
that the enormous sums obtained by captures 
from the enemy by Liverpool privateers proved 
the main foundation-stone of the present great 



54 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

prosperity of the port. I must say I was and am 
proud of my fellow townsmen's spirit in '97, and 
their show of pluck. No sooner was the report 
current that the French might be expected, than 
meetings took place at which his Worship the 
Mayor and the authorities generally exhibited the 
most lively feeling towards supporting their fellow 
citizens in their intention of defending the port, 
their homes, and hearths, from the ruthless 
invaders. Men, money, and arms, came forth 
freely, and even boys — mere lads — urgently begged 
to be allowed to join the ranks of England's bold 
defenders. But I must not conceal the fact that, 
in many cases, great cowardice was exhibited ; as, 
when the report got current and the cry was rife 
that Ci the French were coming" — a cry that used 
to frighten naughty children to the verge of terror 
— numbers of the inhabitants became panic-struck, 
and actually packed up their furniture and valu- 
ables, and commenced a hasty exodus believing 
that they would be safer inland than by the sea- 
board. I saw cartload after cartload of goods, 
toiling up Prescot-road, Brownlow-hill, Mount 
Pleasant, Oldhall-street, and Preston-road, accom- 
panied by weeping and terrified women and 
children, with the deepest anxiety exhibited on 
their countenances. The outskirt roads were like 
a fair. It will scarcely be believed that the price 
of cartage rose so high while the panic lasted, 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 05 

that fabulous sums were asked and obtained for 
transporting goods out of town. It at length 
became impossible to obtain a vehicle of any 
description. Hundreds of persons might be seen 
camping along the high roads at some distance 
from the town, anxiously awaiting the expected 
sound of cannon, the clash of arms, and the cry of 
contending men. I laugh at this now — but it was 
no laughing matter then. I recollect one day 
passing down Dale-street (then a narrow, incon- 
venient thoroughfare) to muster, when the 
Warrington and Manchester coach was about to 
start : numbers of frightened people besieged it 
and attempted to turn out and off those who had 
obtained possession of its lumbering inside and 
its miserable basket behind. In it I remember was 
seated a tremendous man, a town councillor, who 
fairly roared and cried like a child because the 
driver would not hasten his departure — the cry of 
-'•' the French" annihilated him, and I had half 
a mind to let off my fire-lock and see what the 
result would have been. We were not much 
addicted to punctuality in those good old times ; 
so that half an hour's delay in the starting of a 
coach was held as nothing very important — the 
delay however seemed a year to the worthy 
magnate. 

In the town the utmost excitement prevailed. 
At the Pier Heads, at the Fort, and in St. 



^ 



5 O KEC0LLECT10NS OF 

Nicholas's churchyard (in the lower part of which 
there was a batteiy of six guns) might have been 
seen hundreds of stalwart fellows strengthenings 
the fortifications ; men in and out of uniform were 
marching through the town with drum and fife, 
some armed and some unarmed, coming and going 
from or to the rendezvous. The jolly sailors in the 
port mustered strong, and hearty were their 
demonstrations of enthusiasm. The shops were 
shut in many of the streets, while barricades were 
prepared at the street ends leading out of town, 
ready to be put up at any moment. Information 
was then so slow in its journeyings that falsehood 
became as strong-looking as truth, and it was 
easy to keep up a ferment for some time. Any 
atom of news became a mountain, until the fresh 
air of truth melted it away. We were there- 
fore kept for days in a state of great excitement, 
and it certainly was some time before our warlike 
spirit subsided, and I must say that although 
we were somewhat laughed at for our extra- 
ordinary haste in coming to the conclusions we did, 
we had nothing to be ashamed of. We Liverpool 
men showed our pluck on that and many other 
occasions during the French war. I fear we were 
a little too much alive. We had too much 
pugnacity about us if anything. I recollect some 
poor simple looking French fishermen in that 
year put into Liverpool, in order to sell some 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 57 

osyters, when it was all once taken for granted 
that they were spies, sent to ascertain what we 
were doing. The mayor at a meeting held to 
consider the state of the harbour-defences, actually 
alluded to these poor fishermen as having in their 
possession the soundings and hearings of the 
harbour and river-entrance. I, for one, did not 
believe in their being spies, never having seen 
such a lot of harmless, stupid-looking men. 

About this period the press-gang was very 
actively engaged in taking men for the navy. 
These gangs were made up of the very worst and 
most violent men in the service. They were by 
no means particular whom they took : to them a 
man was a man, and that was a sufficient reason 
for securing him. Cases of horrible cruelty and 
great hardship frequently occurred to individuals. 
Men w T ere constantly torn from their homes, 
wives, and families, without a moment's warning. 
They disappeared and were not heard of for years, 
or perhaps not at all. There was a man I knew 
who was seized in Pool-lane and hurried off 
to the tender, and was not heard of for four 
years, when he returned suddenly as his wife was 
about to be married for the third time since his 
departure. His arrival, with a good store of pay 
and prize-money, was ample compensation for the 
loss of the new husband. Terrible rows took 
place between the press-gangs and the sailor-men 



58 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

—the latter resisted to the very death any attempt 
to capture them. Blood was frequently shed, and 
loss of life was not uncommon. I recollect one 
murderous business with which I should have 
been mixed up if I had not made my escape by 
running into a house in Atherton-street. The 
men used to get across the water to Cheshire 
to hide until their ships were ready to sail. 
Near Egremont, on the shore, there used to 
be a little low public-house, known as " Mother 
Kedcap's," from the fact of the owner always wear- 
ing a red hood or cap. This public-house is still 
standing. I have often been in it. At that time 
there were no inner walls to divide the room on 
the upper floor ; but only a few screens put 
up of about seven or eight feet in height to form 
apartments. The roof was not latted or plastered. 
When I last saw it, some twenty-five years or 
more ago, the joists and timbers were all open to 
view. Mother Kedcap was a great favourite with 
the sailor-men and had their entire confidence. 
She had hiding-places for any number, and the 
men used, on returning from their voyages, to 
deposit with her their pay and prize-money, until 
they wanted it. It was known, or at least, very 
commonlys believed, that Mother Eedcap had in 
her possession enormous (for her) sums of money, 
hidden or put away somewhere ; but where that 
somewhere was, it was never known ; for, at her 



OLD LIVERPOOL. O'J 

death, very little property was found in her 
possession, although only a few days before she 
was taken ill and died, a rich prize was 
brought into Liverpool which yielded every sailor 
on board at least a thousand pounds. Mother 
Redcap's was swarming with sailors belonging to 
the privateer, directly after the vessel had come 
into port, and it was known that the old lady had 
received a good deal of the prize-money on their 
account, yet none of it was ever discovered. It is 
a very remarkable circumstance that some few 
years ago, I think about ten or twelve, but I 
forget exactly when, a quantity of money in spade- 
ace guineas was found in a cavity by the shore, 
not far from Mother Eedcap's. It has always 
been a firm belief with me that some day a rich 
harvest will be in store for somebody — a case of 
treasure trove like that which some years ago was 
known as " the Cuerdly Find." Mother Redcap's 
was the resort of many a rough, hard-hunted 
fellow, and many a strange story has been told, 
and scene enacted, under the old roof. 

The passage of the river then and at the begin- 
ning of the last century, until steam-boats were 
introduced, was a complete and serious voyage, 
which few undertook. The boatmen used to run 
their boats at one time on the beach opposite the 
end of Water-street and ply for hire. After the 
piers were ran out they hooked on at the steps 



60 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

calling aloud, " Woodside, ahoy !" " Seaconibe, 
ahoy !" and so on. It is a fact that thousands of 
Liverpool people at that time never were in 
Cheshire in their lives. We used to cross in 
open or half-decked boats, and sometimes we have 
been almost as many hours in crossing as we are 
now minutes. I recollect once wanting to go to 
Woodside on a stormy day, to see a man who 
lived in a small house between the Ferry-house 
and Wallasea Pool, and which, by the way, was 
the only house then standing thereabout. The 
tide was running very strong and the wind blow- 
ing hard, and, after nearly four hours hard work, 
we managed to land near the Bock Perch, thankful 
for our lives being spared. The Kock Perch was 
a pole with a sort of beacon or basket at the top 
of it, implanted in the rocks on which the 
lighthouse now stands. There were no houses 
then anywhere about what is now called New 
Brighton. The country was sandy and barren, 
and the only trees that existed grew close to the 
mouth of the river near the shore. There was 
scarcely a house between the Bock and Wallasea. 
Wirrall at that time and the middle of the last 
century was a desperate region. The inhabitants 
were nearly all wreckers or smugglers — they 
ostensibly carried on the trade and calling of 
fishermen, farm-labourers, and small farmers ; but 
thev were deenlv saturated with the sin of covet- 



m 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 61 

l 

ousness, and many a fierce fire has been lighted 
on the Wirrall shore on stormy nights to lure the 
good ship on the Burbo or Hoyle Banks, there to 
beat, and strain, and throb, until her timbers 
parted, and her planks were floating in confusion 
on the stormy waves. Fine times, then, for the 
Cheshire men. On stormy days and nights, 
crowds might have been seen hurrying to the 
shore with carts, barrows, horses, asses, and 
oxen even, which were made to draw timber, 
bales, boxes, or anything that the raging waters 
might have cast up. Many a half- drowned sailor 
has had a knock on the sconce whilst trying to 
obtain a footing, that has sent him reeling back 
into the seething water, and many a house 
has been suddenly replenished with eatables and 
drinkables, and furniture and garniture, where 
previously bare walls and wretched accommoda- 
tion only were visible. Then for smuggling — 
fine times the runners used to have in my young 
days. Scarcely a house in north Wirral that 
could not provide a guest with a good stiff glass 
of brandy or Hollands. The fishermen used to 
pretend to cast their nets to take the fish that 
then abounded on our coasts, but their fishing 
was of a far different sort. Forniby, on this side, 
was a great place for smugglers and smuggling. 
I don't think they wrecked as the Cheshire 
people did — these latter were very fiends. The 



62 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

Formby fishermen were pretty honest and hard- 
working, and could always make a good living by 
their calling, so that the smuggling they did was 
nothing to be compared to their Cheshire compa- 
triots. Strings upon strings of ponies have I seen 
coming along the road from Formby, laden with 
the finny spoil. The ponies had panniers slung 
over their backs, while sometimes the fisherman's 
wife or child, if the horse could bear the double 
burden, was seated between them. These were 
called " Formby Trotters." There were good 
fish caught in the river at that time ; and I have 
heard say that herrings used to be taken in great 
profusion in our vicinity until the people fought 
at the Fish Stones by St. Nicholas's Church wall, 
and blood was shed on the occasion. Many a 
fisherman steadfastly believed that the herrings 
then left the coast, and never returned in conse- 
quence. Wallasea was certainly, at one period, 
a great place for the curing of herrings, as 
can be proved by tradition as well as written 
history. 

How well I recollect the Woodside Ferry when 
I was a boy. There was a long causeway at it, 
which ran into the river, formed of logs of wood 
and large boulder stones. Up this causeway you 
walked until you came to. the overhanging shore 
which on the left hand w T as cut away to admit the 
causeway continuing up into the land. There 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 63 

was a small thicket of trees on the rock-top and 
a patch of garden which belonged to the ferry- 
man. The only house visible was a farm-house 
which stood on the spot where the(Gough's) Wood- 
side Hotel may now r be found. It had a garden 
enclosed by a hedge round it. The road to 
Bidston w T as a rough, rutted way, and the land 
was for the most part marshy between Woodside 
and Bidston, and the country looked very deso- 
late, wild, and rugged. There were some pretty 
walks over the fields. There was one from Holt 
Hill to Oxton which I was very fond of. When 
the weather was fine I have had many and 
many a pleasant ramble over land where now 
houses show themselves in hundreds, nay, thou- 
sands, and where I have gone bird-nesting, and 
picking wild flowers, and mushrooming in their 
season. Lord! what changes I have seen and 
yet live to see ; and I am very thankful for His 
mercies, which have been manifold and abundant. 
Wallasea Pool was a glorious piece of water once, 
and many a good fish I have taken out of it in 
the upper waters The view of Birkenhead Priory 
was at one time very picturesque, before they built 
the church near it and the houses round it. I 
recollect when there was not a dwelling near it. 
It seemed to stand out well in the landscape, and 
certainly looked very pretty. It was a great 
shame that persons should have been permitted 



64 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

to carry away tlie stones for building or any other 
purpose. Had not a stop at last been put to 
this sort of work there would not in time have 
been a vestige of the old Abbey left. I recollect 
that there was a belief that a tunnel or subterra- 
neous passage ran under the Mersey to Liverpool 
from the Priory, and that the entrance in 1818, 
when the church was built, had been found and a 
good way traversed. That passage was commonly 
spoken of as being in existence when I was a 
boy, and I often vowed I would try to iind it. 
I have been up the tunnels or caves at the Eed 
and White Noses many a time for great distances. 
I was once fishing for codling at the Perch, and 
with two young companions went up the caves 
for at least a mile, and could have gone further 
only w r e became frightened as our lights went out. 
It was thought these caves ran up to Ghester 
Cathedral — but that was all stuff. I believe they 
were excavated by smugglers in part, and partly 
natural cavities of the earth. We knew little then 
of archaeology or geology, or any other " ology," 
or I might be able to tell a good deal about these 
eaves, for I saw them more than once, but I now 
forget what their size and height was. The floor, 
I recollect, was very uneven and strewed about 
with big stones, while the roof was arched over 
in the red sand-stone. The encroachment of the 
sea upon the Wirral shore has been very gradual, 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 55 

but regular, for many years. Within the memory 
of man the sea has made an inroad of nearly, if 
not quite, a mile from its former high- water mark. 
It was not until the erection of the Wallasey 
embankment that a stop was put to its ravages. 

When I stand on the Pier-head, or take my 
daily walk on the Landing-Stage, I often pause and 
revolve in my mind the wonderful changes that have 
taken place in my time in this native town of 
mine. The other day, soon after the completion 
of the large Landing-Stage, I sat down and thought 
would any man then making use of the old 
baths, swimming inside the palisade, have not 
considered me, some eighty years ago, a mad fool 
to have predicted that before I died I should sit 
on a long floating stage two or three hundred 
yards from where we were swimming, that would 
be about a quarter of a mile in length, and that 
between it and the shore there would be most 
wonderful docks built, in which the ships of all 
nations would display their colours, and discharge 
their precious freights? As I sat there the other 
day, I thought of the one bath and the old houses 
by the river's brink, and the Bath-street, along which 
came, in the summer-time, such strings of country 
"dowkers." Beyond the baths there were no 
houses, all was open shore consisting of boulder 
stones, sand, and pools, such as may be seen on any 
sea-beach. There was hot as well as cold water 



66 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

bathing in the baths, and a palisade ran out into the 
river, within which, at high-water, persons could 
swim, as in a plunge-bath. These baths were 
erected originally by Mr. Wright, who sold them 
to the corporation in 1774, by which body they 
were enlarged and greatly improved. 

I recollect the bath-woman sold a sort of parlia- 
ment cake, covered over with coloured sugar 
plums, and also some sweet things which in 
appearance resembled slugs. I never see these 
carraway-cakes and confections in the low shops 
in which they are now only sold, without thinking 
of the fat old bath-woman, who was a terror to 
me and others of my size and age. In 1816 these 
baths were discontinued and pulled down on the 
opening of George's Pier-head baths. For a mile 
or more there was good bathing on the shore. 
The bathing machines were introduced about the 
end of the last century. The keeper of the 
" Wishing Gate-house " had several, and an old 
man who lived in a low hut near the mill (the 
remains of which still stand in the Waterloo-road) 
had two or three, and made money by them. At 
that time Bootle and Bootle Marshes were wild 
places, the roads execrable, and as for frogs (Bootle 
organs), the noise they made at night was wonderful. 
I recollect all the docks and streets from Bath- 
street downwards being sand-hills and salt-marshes. 
New Quay, of which Bath-street was a continu- 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 67 

ation, was a sort of haven, into which small 
vessels, at certain times of the tide, ran to 
discharge their cargoes. On the tide receding 
the vessels were left high and dry upon the 
hank. Bathers used to he seen in any numher 
on the shore. Decency was so frequently out- 
raged that the authorities were at last compelled 
to take steps to redress the grievance. Not far 
from the baths was once a pleasant public walk 
of which I have often heard my father and mother 
speak. It was called the ''Ladies' Walk/' and 
extended from the site of the present Canal bridge 
by Old Hall-street, down to the river. It was a 
sort of a terraced gravel walk, having four rows 
of fine Lombardy poplars, and seats underneath. 
On fine evenings all the gay and fashionable 
world of Liverpool used to take the air and show 
off their hoops and high heels, and the gentlemen 
their brocaded silk coats, and three-cornered hats. 
The sword was* often drawn by the gallants for 
some fancied affront, and occasionally a little blood 
was spilt, a matter of no moment in those days. 
t was the grief when it was announced that 
the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Company had 
resolved on the destruction of the Ladies' Walk. 

There was another Ladies' Walk in Duke-street, 
which extended from opposite the present York- 
street (then called Great George-street) to Berry- 
et. This was afterwards converted into a 



68 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

ropery and succeeded by Parr-street. By the way, 
Duke-street, which occupies a portion of its site, 
has been famous for notable persons residing 
in it. In the third house from Colquitt-street 
Felicia Hemans was born, and she wrote some of 
her early poetry there. In the yard of the next 
house was once a tree, the last remnant of the 
Ladies' Walk, which had two rows of trees down 
the sides and centre as in the other Ladies' Walk 
previously mentioned. Mrs. Hemans apostro- 
phizes this tree in one of her early poems. I 
recollect her very well, for she was intimate with 
my friends, the Nicholsons, who lived at the top 
of Richmond-row some forty years ago. Miss 
Browne received much advice and encouragement 
from Mr. Nicholson, and she was a most pleas- 
ing person. As Mrs. Hemans, her life was not 
"happy. She resided at one time at Wavertree, 
in one of those cottages on the left hand side of 
the road just beyond Orford-street. The present 
"Loggerheads Tavern Revived" was Mr. Nichol- 
son's house. It was a public-house, called " The 
Loggerheads" before he converted it into a private 
dwelling. Where Soho-street now begins there 
was a dyer's pond and yard; over it was a fine 
weeping-willow. In Duke-street also lodged at 
one time Thomas Campbell, the poet. He occu- 
pied part of the house now converted into a cabinet- 
maker's shop by Messrs. Abbot. I visited Mr. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 69 

Campbell several times when lie was preparing 

..- The Pleasures of Hope" for publication. He was 
a very handsome young man, with a fine face and 
bright eyes. Mr. John Howard lodged in Duke- 
street in the house directly facing Cornwallis- 
street, then newly built. At this time his " Eeport 
on Prisons" was passing through the Warrington 
Press : and he used to journey backwards and 
forwards to correct the proofs. The Kev. Gilbert 
Wakefield lodged in Duke-street, near the bottom, 
when he was first appointed curate to St. Paul's 
church, then just erected. Dr. Henderson was 
the first incumbent of that church. Strangely 
enough, he seceded from the Dissenting body, 
while Mr. Wakefield joined it from. the Church. 
Curious stones were told of Dr. Henderson's 
ministration. Mr. Wakefield complained bitterly 
of the unkindness and inhospitality of the Liver- 
pool clergy. He said he never was invited but by 
one brother clergyman to visit him during his 
stay in Liverpool. 

In 1^1^, Bellingham, who shot Mr. Percival in 
the House of Commons, on the 11th of May, also 
lived in Duke-street, about the sixth house above 
Slater-street. His wife was a dressmaker and 
milliner. She was a very nice person, and after 
P>ellingham's execution the ladies of Liverpool 
raised a subscription for, and greatly patronized 
her. Bellingham was born at St. Xeot's, in 



70 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Huntingdonshire, about 1771. His father was 
a land- surveyor and miniature-painter. Becoming 
insane, he was for some time confined in St. Luke's 
Hospital, London ; but being found incurable he 
was taken home, where he died soon afterwards. 
Bellingham, at the age of fourteen, was appren- 
ticed to a jeweller in Whitechapel, named Love, 
from whom, after giving much trouble and 
annoyance, he ran aw r ay. In 1786 his mother's 
sister's husband, a Mr. Daw r , yielding to the 
solicitations of his wife and Mrs. Bellingham, 
fitted the young man out for India, whither he sailed 
in the ship Hartwell, in the Company's service. 
This vessel was wrecked off one of the Cape de 
Verd Islands, and young Bellingham managed 
to get home again, penniless — having lost every- 
thing he possessed. Still influenced by his 
female relatives, Mr. Daw next took a shop in 
the tinware trade for Bellingham. This shop was 
in Oxford-street ; but a fire occurring in it, Belling- 
ham asserted that he had a large number of 
bank-notes destroyed. It was suspected he was 
-cognizant of the origin of this fire ; but nothing 
€Ould be proved against him. In 1794 he became 
bankrupt ; but his creditors were so disgusted 
with the -statement of his affairs, that they would 
not grant him his certificate, and he never 
■obtained it. We next find him obtaining employ- 
ment in a merchant's counting-house ; and after 



OLD LIVPJJRPOOL. 71 

being with them some time he was sent out by 
them to Archangel. He remained there about 
three years, and then entered into partnership 
with a firm there. He then came to Hull where 
he entered into contracts for the delivery of 
£12,000 worth of timber, but only £4,000 worth 
was ever delivered upon the bills drawn, accepted, 
and paid. Upon this transaction Bellingham was 
arrested and imprisoned in Hull, where he 
remained seven months. On his release he went 
back to Archangel, where he had no sooner arrived 
than he was again throw r n into prison. He 
appealed vehemently against this arrest to the 
English Consul, and also to the British Ambas- 
sador at St. Petersburg, Lord Levison Gower ; but 
they both declined interfering, as they considered 
his arrest legal and justifiable. On his release 
he came to Liverpool, whence he went to Dublin, 
where he met his future wife, Miss Neville, a 
native of Newry. Having become possessed of a 
legacy of £400, left him by his aunt, Mrs. Daw, 
he returned to Liverpool, where he commenced 
business as an Insurance and General Broker. 
He now began memorializing the government on 
the subject of his claims upon Russia. General 
Gascoigne presented his petitions. All he got was 
a constant refusal of interference. There is no 
doubt that some of the wrongs he complained of 
were partly imaginary, and that he perhaps inherited 



rZ BECOLLECTIONS OF 

his father's malady. Finding his appeals of 
no avail he determined upon being revenged in 
some way or other upon somebody. On the 11th 
May, 1819, he posted himself, soon after five 
o'clock, near the door of the lobby of the House of 
Commons, and as Mr. Spencer Percival approached, 
he drew a pistol from his breast-pocket, and 
fired at the right honorable gentleman. The 
Shot took effect, and Mr. Percival died almost 
immediately afterwards. General Gascoigne, one 
of the members for Liverpool, was one of the first 
to recognize the assassin, and, in fact, seized him 
and took from him his pistols. It was not 
thought he had any particular enmity against Mr. 
Percival, but that he would have assassinated 
any other of His Majesty's Ministers had they 
fallen in his way at the time. He said he had 
been a fortnight making up his mind to this 
bloody deed. He bought his pistols from a well- 
Known gunmaker in Fleet-street, and so desirous 
was he that they could be depended upon, that 
he went to Primrose Hill, in the outskirts of 
London, to try them. It was said that he had his 
i- oat altered, and a capacious and readily acces- 
sible pocket made in it ; in which pocket, in 
fact, the undischarged pistol was found. Bell- 
ingliam to the last maintained his contumacious 
and determined character. He justified his fright- 
ful deed, and expressed himself resigned to his 



OLD LIVERPOOL. Vo 

fate and prepared to meet it. His atrocious 
act caused a great sensation in the town. The 
news that it had been perpetrated, had, however, 
scarcely reached us in Liverpool before we hearcl 
of his trial and execution. He was tried on the 
16th of May and executed on the 18th. Short 
shriving was then the mode ! 

In Suffolk-street, which runs out of Duke- 
street, there once dwelt a droll person named 
Peter Tyrer. He let out coaches and horses for 
hire. Many funny stories were current about 
him. I recollect one to the effect that a customer 
of his, a gentleman residing in Duke-strcet, 
complained several times that Peter had supplied 
him with a coach so stiff in the springs as to 
be quite unpleasant to ride in it. The next time 
a coach was sent for by this gentleman, Peter 
sent him a hearse ! On being asked his reason 
for so doing, his reply was that " so many people 
had ridden in that vehicle and never made any 
complaint, that he supposed it must be a very 
comfortable conveyance."' 



74 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTEE IV. 

Before I exhaust my recollections of Duke-street 
and its celebrities, I ought not to omit mention 
of a worthy gentleman who resided in it, and 
whose name occupied the attention of the public 
in many ways, in all honourable to himself, as a 
man, a soldier, and a citizen. I refer to Colonel 
Bolton, whose mansion in Duke-street, between 
Suffolk-street and Kent-street (called after, and 
by Mr. Kent, who lived at the corner of the 
street, and who also named the streets adjacent 
after the southern counties), was in bye-gone 
years the head-quarters of the Tory party in 
Liverpool, in election times. From the balcony 
of that house, wherein the utmost hospitality was 
always exercised, the great statesmen who have 
represented Liverpool in Parliament — George 
Canning and William Huskisson — have many a , 
time poured forth the -floods of their eloquence. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 75 

Stirring up the heart's-blood of the thousands assem- 
bled in the street to hear them, making pulses 
beat quicker, and exciting passions to fever-heat. 
Mr. Canning used also to address the electors from 
Sir Thomas Brancker's house in Rodney-street. 

The lengths to which election zeal carried men 
may be understood, when, during the progress of 
an election, business was suspended in the town 
for days and days. Hatred, envy, ' and malice 
were engendered. Neighbour was set against 
neighbour, and I have known many instances 
where serious divisions in families} have taken 
place when opposite sides in politics have been 
chosen by the members of such families. It has 
required years to heal wounds made in family 
circles, and time in some instances never 
succeeded in bringing relatives to esteem each 
other again. The small knot of reformers in this 
town stuck manfully together and fought their 
battles well : and if the Tory side could boast of 
substantial names amongst their ranks, those of 
Henry Brougham, Egerton Smith, Dr. Shepherd, - 
Mr. Mulock, Edward Rushton, and many others, 
occupy a place in the pantheon of worthies who 
stood forward on all great and public occasions 
when improvement in the constitution was to be 
advocated. I recollect a time when it was scarcely 
wise for a man to confess himself a reformer. At 
the beginning of this century, when the horrors 



76 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

of the French Eevolution were fresh in all 
men's minds, and knowing so well as we did 
that there were many mischievous, dangerous, 
and disaffected people amongst us, ripe and 
ready to foment and foster broils, bringing 
anarchy and confusion in their train, it seemed 
to be the duty of all men who had characters 
and property to lose, to stick fast to the state 
as it was, without daring to change anything, 
however trifling or however necessary. A man 
was almost thought a traitor to talk of reform 
or change at one time, for there were not a few 
influential men who would rather have risen on 
the ruins of Old England than have fallen with 
her glory. Ticklish times we had in the 
beginning of the present century. 

On the subject of Reform, it was said that an 
elector one day meeting Mr. Brougham in Castle- 
street, thus accosted him: — "Well, Mister, so 
you are going to try for Reform again?" "Yes," 
said the great orator, "and I hope we shall get 
it." Elector: "Very good, Mister, we really do 
want a reform in parliament, for I think it is a 
very hard thing that a man can only get a paltry 
£5 or £10 for his vote. There ought to be some 
fixed sum — certainly not less than £21)" 

One of the most remarkable election events 
that has taken place in Liverpool was that in 
which Messrs. Ewart and Denison were engaged 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 77 

in 1830. Remarkable not only for the vigour 
with which it was carried on, but for the intense 
excitement that it created, the number of days 
it occupied, and also for the enormous sums of 
money it cost. The bribery that took place on 
both sides and all sides was really frightful. It 
was a positive disgrace to humanity. The contest 
was continued for seven days. While it was 
carried on business in the town was partly 
suspended, and all men's thoughts, and acts, and 
interests, seemed engrossed by the one prevailing 
subject. On the death of Mr. Huskisson, those 
interested in political matters set about to look 
for a successor to represent their interests in 
parliament. Several distinguished gentlemen 
were invited to stand ; amongst others were Sir 
Robert Peel, and the Right Hon. Charles Grant, 
both of whom, however, declined the honour. Mr. 
Grant had had enough of an election contest to 
last him for some time, his success at Inverness 
had only been won by too hard fighting to be 
lightly thought of ; while Sir Robert Peel freely- 
confessed that the duties of Rome Secretary were 
such as to prevent him from devoting sufficient 
time to the interests of so large and important a 
constituency as that of Liverpool. 

By the way, I recollect a rather curious anecdote 
of Mr. Huskisson, which may perhaps not be 
devoid of interest. About 1834 I was dining on 



78 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

board one of the beautiful American sailing- 
packets, the George Washington. It was only a 
small party, and amongst others present was the 
late Sir George Drinkwater, who related the 
following curious circumstance connected with 
Mr. Huskisson : — Sir George told us that the 
day before the lamentable occurrence took place, 
which deprived this town of a valuable represen- 
tative, and the country of so distinguished a 
statesman, Mr. Huskisson called upon him at 
the Town Hall (Sir George being then mayor), 
and asked permission to write a letter. While 
doing so an announcement was made that there 
was a deputation from Hyde, near Manchester, 
wishing to see Mr. Huskisson. " Oh !' ? said that 
gentleman, iC I know what they want ; but I will 
send them back to Hyde with a flea in their ears!" 
The gentlemen of the deputation having been 
ushered into the room, they stated their case, to 
the effect that they solicited Mr. Huskisson to 
support a petition in parliament to enable them 
to construct a railway between their town and 
Manchester. They had no sooner stated their 
errand than Mr. Huskisson, angrily throwing 
down his pen, in very few words refused their 
request, winding up his reply with these memor- 
able words — remarkable not only for the fallacy 
of his then opinions, but also in connection with 
the calamitous event of the next day — " Gentle- 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 79 

men, I supported the scheme of the railway 
between Liverpool and Manchester as an experi- 
ment, but as long as I have the honour to hold 
a seat in parliament, I will never consent to see 
"England gridironed by railways .'" What would 
Mr. Huskisson say now-a-days, when a map of 
England shows it not only gridironed, hut spread 
over as with an iron net-work of railroads, that 
to the eye appear in a state of a inextricable 
entanglement ? 

To return to the election of 1830. During 
seven days the town was kept at fever-heat, each day 
its intensity becoming heightened. Mr. Denison, 
in his opening address on 'Change, on the 14th 
October, in appealing to the constituency for 
support, avowed himself entitled to it, not only 
as being Mr. Huskisson's friend — "the friend of 
your friend " — but as an enthusiastic admirer of 
his principles." Mr. Denison was son-in-law to 
the Duke of Portland. Mr. Ewart was a towns- 
man, and a barrister, and had represented the 
town of Bletchingly (or Bleechmgly as they call 
it in Surrey), so that both candidates came well 
recommended. The writ was moved for in the 
House of Commons on the 17th November, and 
received in Liverpool on the Friday following. 
An army of canvassers was organised on both 
sides, who plied their vocations in all directions. 
Mr. Denison's friends mustered on Tuesdav 



80 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

morning, 23rd November, in front of Mr. Bolton's 
house in Duke-street, and moved in grand pro- 
cession to the Town Hall. Amongst them were 
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Gladstone, Sir J. Tobin, Messrs. 
Wm. Brown* Kitson, Shand, and Garnett. Mr. 
Ew^art's friends met opposite to the Adelphi Hotel. 
The horses were taken from. Mr. Ewart's carriage, 
which was then drawn by the people. With Mr. 
Ewart were Messrs. J. Brancker, Hugh Jones. 
W. Wallace Currie, W. Earle, jun., Hall (barris- 
ter), Captain Colquitt, Bev. Wm. Shepherd, &c. 
The processions were both got up in admirable 
style ; splendid and costly banners and flags of 
all descriptions were displayed, while ribbons, of 
which Denison's were scarlet, and Ewart's blue, 
fluttered in the wind in all directions. The 
following was the result of the polls. I give it 
to show how remarkably close the contest was 
carried on, and how the tide of favour ebbed and 
flowed : 1st day — Denison, 260 ; Ewart, 248. 
2nd day — Denison, 583 ; Ewart, 568. 3rd day — 
Denison, 930 ; Ewart, 918. 4th day — Denison. 
1320; Ewart, 1308. 5th day— Denison, 1700; 
Ewart, 1688. 6th day— Denison, 2020 ; Ewart, 
2008. 7th day— Denison, 2186; Ewart, 2215.' 
The number of freemen who voted was .4401. 

If ever a borough deserved disfranchising, it 
was Liverpool on that election. The conduct of 
the freemen was atrocious. I speak of them as 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 81 

a body. The bribery on that occasion was so 
broad, barefaced, and unblushingly carried on, as 
to exite disgust in all thoughtful men's minds. 
Sums of money from £3 to £100 were said to 
have been given for votes, and I recollect that 
after the heat of the election had subsided, a list of 
those who voted was published, with the sums 
attached, which were paid to and received by each 
freeman. I have a copy of it in my possession. 
Whether true or false who can tell? Where 
there is fire there will be smoke. It is a well- 
known fact that many of the canvassers never 
looked behind them after that memorable time, 
and numbers of tradesmen signally benefitted by 
the money that was spread about with such liberal 
hands. In some cases money was received by 
freemen from both parties. In one case I find 
a. man (among the H's) voting for Mr. Denison, 
who received £35 and £'10. Amongst the C'swasa 
recipient of £28 and £'25 from each side; and 
another, a Mr. C, took £50 from Denison and 
E 1 5 from Ewart, the said voter being a chimney- 
sweeper, and favouring Mr. Denison with the weight 
of his influence and the honour of his suffrage.. 
In looking over the list I find that the principal 
recipients of the good things going, were ropers, 
coopers, sailmakers, and shipwrights. Yet the 
name of " merchant " and "tradesman" not unfre- 
quently occurs in the descriptions of borough 



'82 RECOLLECTIONS OB" 

voters. Amongst the Ws there appears to be 
scarcely a voter that escaped "the gold fever." 
Amongst others who declined taking any part in 
the election was Mr. Brooks Yates; he, feeling 
so disgusted with the veniality of the voters, and 
the bribery that was going on, publicly protested 
on the seventh day against the conduct of all 
parties, and said "he lifted up his voice against 
the practice of bribery, which was so glaringly 
exercised, and which had been carried on by both 
parties to the utmost extent. The friends of 
Mr. Ewart had made use of his name to fill up 
their complement without his authority, and he 
begged to withdraw it, for he w r as resolved to 
remain decidedly neutral. The corruption was 
so gross and flagrant that he would not give his 
vote on either side." It is said that this election 
cost upwards of £100,000, of which sum Colonel 
Bolton supplied £10,000. Mr. Ewart's family 
it was understood, entirely furnished his expenses 
amounting to £65,000. Mr. Denison's reached 
from £47,000 to £50,000. 

Amongst those who addresed the various 
meetings during the week of the election, and 
previous to the commencement of the polling, 
w r ere Mr. William Rathbone, Mr. Henderson, 
barrister (afterwards recorder), Rev. W. Shep- 
herd, Captain Colquitt, Mr. James Brancker 
(who proposed and seconded Mr. Ewart), and Mr. 



OJUD LIVERPOOL. 



Falvey. The orators on the part of Mr. Denison 
were, Mr. Edward Kushton (afterwards stipendiary 
magistrate), Messrs. Shand, W. Brown (now Sir 
William Brown), John Bolton, W. Earle. Leyland, 
Sir John Tobin, &c. About the fourth day of 
the election the real excitement commenced, and 
the baneful system of bribery was resorted to. On 
the fifth day the prices of votes advanced from 
£20 to £25, and as much as £40 to £50 were 
asked and obtained. It was expected that on the 
sixth day the contest would close, but it seemed 
to be then continued with unabated vigour. On 
the seventh day voters were brought from all parts 
of England, Scotland, Ireland, and wherever they 
could be met with. The tricks played by both 
parties on voters were most amusing, either to 
deter or compel them to vote. Nearly four 
hundred freemen declined or were unable to 
record their votes. 

Even in the " elections for mayor the most 
inconceivable interest was excited, and in one case, 
that of 1828, between Messrs. Porter and Robinson, 
from £1(3,000 to £.20,000, if not a larger sum, was 
said to have been expended in carrying the day, 
I recollect a worthy tobacconist, who kept a little 
shop in the town, who had a vote and was not 
inclined to sell it cheap. In every insidious way 
was lie assailed to part with his vote. On the 
occasion of this election the list of voters was 



84 EECOLLECTIOXS OF 

rapidly running out to the last drop ; the hour 
of closing the poll was approaching, and it was 
found impossible to keep the poll open another 
day. " Come, Mr. Pipes, what about your vote? 
— it's half-past three !" iQ Call again in a quarter 
of an hour." In this quarter of an hour the 
little tobacconist's shop was besieged by canvassers 
on both sides, when the tempting sum of £30 was 
reached. The cunning little Abel Drugger 
knew his value, but no higher sum would either 
party advance. Pipes had, unfortunately, gone 
into the back part of his shop for a few 
minutes, when a wag put his clock back thirteen 
minutes. Keeping his eye, while in the shop, 
on the clock, every now and then — although, as 
he admitted afterwards, it seemed a long quarter 
of an hour — he still kept off his persecutors. 
When the hand approached the quarter on the 
false-telling dial, one canvasser, bolder than the 
rest, laid £35 on a box of cigars, as the bid for it. 
But Master Pipes only was sold, for just as he was 
about to take up the tissue paper bearing the 
magic name of Henry Hase, St. George's church 
struck four, and the prize was re-pocketed to the 
great discomforture of " Pipes," and the merriment 
of his customers. Of electioneering tricks I could 
tell a full score. 

The practice of the "Duello'' is, happily, now 
gone quite out of fashion, but in my young days 



OLD LIVEKPOOL. 85 

any and every occasion of offence was seized upon 
as a casus belli. Duels were fought on the most 
frivolous occasions and for the slightest possible 
affronts, intentional or supposititious. 

This taste has subsided, as well as that for hard 
drinking. I can remember both being carried to 
11 lamentable state of excess ; but these practices 
have grown out of date. I have seen, thank 
goodness, other equally salutary improvements 
in morals, customs, and manners. 

Two remarkable hostile meetings, I recollect, 
took place in Liverpool at the commencement of 
the present century, and caused an immense 
sensation, from the known position and high stand- 
ing of all the parties concerned. 

The first duel I shall mention was that between 
Mr. Sparling, late of St. Domingo House, Everton, 
and Mr. Grayson, an eminent shipbuilder. Both 
gentlemen moved in the first circles of society 
in the town. It took place on the 24th of 
February, 1804. 

The occasion of the duel was a conversation 

that occurred in Mr. Grayson's carriage, between 

that gentleman and Major Brooks (who was shot 

by Colonel Bolton in the ensuing year), on their 

way to dine at Mr. Grayson's, at Wavertree. Mr. 

Grayson, it seems, called Mr. Sparling " a villain," 

for breaking off the marriage between himself 

and a relative of Mr. Grayson's. Major Brooks 
6 



pK) RECOLLECTIONS OF 

repeated this conversation to Mr. Sparling, who 
instantly commenced a correspondence with Mr. 
Grayson, calling upon him to apologise for his 
language. This correspondence continued from 
October until the time the duel was fought — the 
meeting being the consequence of the unsatisfac- 
tory results of the communications between the 
parties. They met at a place called Knot's Hole, 
near the shore by the Aigburth-road. Mr. Sparling 
was attended by Captain Colquitt, commanding the 
Princess frigate, then in the river. Mr. Grayson's 
second was Dr. MacCartney. After the fatal shots 
were fired Mr. Grayson's servant found his master 
alone, lying on the ground with his face down- 
wards. He was desperately wounded in the thigh, 
and was taken back to Liverpool as quickly as 
possible. He lingered until the following Sunday, 
when he died. Mr. Sparling and Captain Colquitt 
were, at the coroner's inquest, found guilty of 
murder, and were tried at Lancaster, on the 4th 
of April, before Sir Alan Chambre. Sergeant 
Cockle, Attorney- General for the County Palatine 
of Lancaster, lead for the crown ; with him were 
Messrs. Clark and Scarlett (afterwards Sir James);, 
attorneys, Messrs. Ellames and Norris. For the 
prisoners, Messrs. Park (afterwards Baron Park), 
Wood, Topping, Raincock, and Healcl ; attorney, 
Mr. William Statham. 

It came out in evidence during the trial, that the 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 87 

hour of meeting was seven o'clock on Sunday 
morning, February 24th. Mr. Sparling and Cap- 
tain Colquitt arrived first at Park Chapel; on 
alighting the Captain carried the pistol-case, and 
the two gentlemen went through a gate into a 
field opposite, to the place of rendezvous. Soon 
after Dr. MacCartney and Mr. Park, the surgeon, 
arrived in a carriage. Mr. Park had been induced 
to accompany the Doctor on the representation 
that he was about to attend a patient of some 
consequence, and required his (Mr. Park's) advice 
and skill. Soon after Mr. Grayson arrived on 
foot, attended by his servant, when, finding the 
two gentlemen in waiting, he pulled out his watch, 
and remarked that he feared he was rather late, but 
that it was all his servant's fault. Dr. Mac- 
Cartney then took out the pistol-case from the 
carriage (leaving Mr. Park in it, who had declined 
proceeding any further), and with Mr. Grayson 
passed through the same gate as did Mr. Sparling 
and the Captain. They then went down the field 
towards the river, and soon, afterwards a shot 
or shots were heard by Mr. Park, Mr. Grayson's 
servant, and the post-boys. Mr. Grayson's 
servant ran into the field, and met Mr. Sparling 
and Captain Colquitt hurrying up the foot-road, 
the former asked him "'what he wanted?" he told 
him who he was, when Mr. Sparling informed 
him his master was severely wounded. The two 



88 EECOLLECTLONS OF 

gentlemen then ran onward when they met Mr. 
Park, who had got out of the carriage on seeing 
them coming towards the road in such a hurry. 
They bade him "make haste, for Grayson w r as 
badly wounded." They then got into their carriage 
and told the coachman to drive back to Liver- 
pool. The other driver asserted he heard Captain 

Colquitt say, "by G , it has done me good." 

The two gentlemen were driven first to Mr. 
Ralph Benson's in Duke-street, to whom a message 
was sent up that Mr. Sparling "had been in the 
country and was quite well." They next called 
on Mr. Stavert, when Mr. Sparling said, "I have 
put a ball into Grayson this morning." Mr. 
Stavert replied, "I hope he is not much hurt," 
when Mr. Sparling exclaimed, "I think not, for 
he made too much noise for it to be of any conse- 
quence." They were next driven to the Royal 
Hotel and thence to the Pier Slip, where a boat 
was in waiting, in which they w^ere rowed off. 

Mr. Park, on hurrying forward to Knot's Hole, 
found Mr. Grayson supported by his servant and 
Dr. MacCartney. His breeches w r ere soaked with 
blood at his right thigh. There appeared to be 
a shot-hole at the upper part near the hip. He 
complained of being in acute pain, and that he 
had lost the use of his limbs ; he said he could 
no longer stand, but must be allowed to sit down. 
The party, however, bore him to the carriage, 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 89 

and got him home as soon as possible. Mr. 
Park attended him until he died. The ball had 
perforated the thigh-bone, and was not extrac ted 
until after death. It was produced in court. 

Mr. Grayson was fully aware of his approaching 
end. On the Wednesday after the duel, he told 
Mr. Park that " he was going to meet his God." 
On the following day he said that " he hoped for 
mercy, and that he might have gone with greater 
guilt on his head, if he had killed Sparling, instead 
of Sparling killing him" ; and added, " whatever 
his opinions of Mr. Sparling's conduct might be, 
he truly forgave him the injury he had done him, 
in giving him his death-wound, and hoped, in the 
event of his decease, that his friends would not 
prosecute him." Mr. Grayson repeatedly said 
Mr. Sparling was an utter stranger to him, and 
that he did not know him even by si«\ht. 

At that time counsel were not allowed to make 
any appeal to a jury for a prisoner, Mr. Sparling's 
defence was therefore read by one of his counsel, 
Mr. Park. It was very ably got up. He bitterly 
protested against the outcry that had been made 
against him in public, from the pulpit and by the 
press. He wholly denied bearing any malice 
towards Mr. Grayson, and justified himself, 
declaring his act was a mere vindication of his 
honour and good name, and that he had, in 
conjunction with Captain Colquitt, repeatedly 



90 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

asked Mr. Grayson to withdraw his insulting words 
and threatening speeches, but without avail, and 
the meeting was the consequence of his obstinacy. 
He said of Mr. Grayson, as Mr. Grayson had 
said of him, that he wa^ an utter stranger to him. 
Captain Colquitt made an able defence, wherein 
he justified himself and his conduct. A number 
of gentlemen of high character and distinction 
spoke to the kindliness of manner of Mr. Sparling 
at all times, and also of Captain Colquitt, and 
completely exonerated them from the imputation 
of entertaining vindictive or malevolent feelings. 
Amongst others who appeared for Mr. Sparling 
were Sir Hungerford Hoskins, Captain Palmer, 
Kev. Jonathan Brooks, His Worship the Mayor 
(William Harper, Esq.), Soloman D'Aguilar, Lord 
Viscount Carleton, Major-General Cartwright, 
Lord Kobert Manners, Lord Charles Manners, 
Lord James Murray, Colonel M'Donald, and 
Major Seymour. For Captain Colquit many 
equally honourable gentlemen and officers in His 
Majesty's service gave evidence in his favour. 

The judge on summing up decidedly leaned 
towards the prisoners, and the result was a 
verdict of "Not Guilty." The same jury was after- 
wards empanneled to try Mr. Sparling, Captain 
Colquit, and Dr. MacCartney on another indict- 
ment, but no evidence being brought forward, they 
were all acquitted. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 01 

lus terminated a trial which created an 
immense amount of interest, not only in Liver- 
pool, but throughout the whole of the northern 
counties. 

Before I relate the. incidents of the second 
duel that took place in Liverpool, I will briefly 
give the particulars of another affair, which 
happened in the same year (July, 1804), which 
gave the gossips and quid mines of the town, ample 
food for conversation. This was the court- 
martial on Captain Carmichael, the adjutant of 
Colonel E aide's regiment of Fusileers, and 
formerly adjutant of Colonel Bolton's regiment of 
"Boyal Liverpool Volunteers." He was charged 
with '"disobedience of orders, and with address- 
ing Colonel Earle in abusive and scandalous 
language respecting the officers of the regi- 
ment/' The court-martial was held by virtue 
of a warrant from His Royal Highness Prince 
William Frederick of Gloucester, the General 
commanding the district. The president was 
Colonel Bolton: the judge-advocate, Fletcher 
Raincock, Esq., barrister-at-law. 

It appeared that on the 12th of June the 
Fusiliers were drilling on Copperas-hill ("fancy 
our Volunteers drilling on Copperas-hill ! ), at 
the manual and platoon exercise, when they 
were commanded to " order arms" and «•' stand 
at ease" bv the Colonel; his intention being 



92 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

to keep the regiment for the remainder of the 
morning at firelock exercise. Something wm said 
of a private nature by Colonel Earle to the 
Adjutant Carmichael, who, instead of replying, 
took no notice of the observation. He subse- 
quently spoke to the Colonel in an insulting and 
impertinent manner, treating him at the same 
time with marked indignity — calling out, loud 
enough for the men to hear, "that he insisted upon 
the officers being called together to inquire into* 
his conduct, for such things were said of him as 
he could not bear." On being told that that was 
not the time nor place to bring charges against 
the officers, and that he should put down in 
Avriting what he had to say, and he would then 
be attended to, he did not seem satisfied, but 
continued to demand the calling of the officers 
together. Colonel Earle told him to go on with 
his duty. Captain Carmichael still took no 
notice of these orders ; but said his feelings were 
" worked up to a fiddle-string." Still disobeying 
Colonel Eaiie's commands, he was told " to go 
home if he could not do his duty/' He was then 
heard to say that the officers, or some of the 
officers, were " a set of blacklegs." For this. 
offence Captain Carmichael was tried. He denied 
at first the right of the court to sit in judgment 
upon him, and raised three objections, two of 
which were read, and the third was stopped in 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 93- 

the middle, being overruled by the court. The 
court-martial sat five days, and the result of it 
was that Captain Carmichael was acquitted of 
disobedience, but found guilty of addressing- 
abusive language to his commanding-officer. His 
sentence was ' ; to be reprimanded at the head of 
his regiment." Colonel Bolton was delegated to 
administer this reproof. Colonel Bolton spoke 
highly in the Captain's favour, and stated that 
he had presented him with a piece of plate which 
he had bought for him when in London, to mark his 
respect for him, and his efficiency in drilling his 
(Colonel Bolton's) regiment. 

In the following year, 1805, the second duel was 
fought, which created as great a sensation as that 
between Mr. Sparling and Mr. Grayson, in the pre- 
vious year. In this encounter the principals were 
Colonel Bolton and Major Brooks, the same party 
who had caused the mischief in the previously- 
mentioned affair.' 

The origin of the quarrel arose in this way : — 
Colonel Bolton, who had raised a regiment of 
volunteers, in 1808, which he had entirely clothed, 
armed, and equipped, mustering ten companies of 
sixty men each, was held in high respect and 
possessed great influence with government. On 
the death of Mr. Bryan Bhmdell, who held the 
appointment of Customs Jerker, Colonel Bolton 
obtained the vacant office for Major Brooks, who 



04 BECOLLECTLONS OF 

had been formerly in the Lancashire Militia. 
After enjoying this place for a time, Major Brooks 
applied for an increase of salary. His application 
was referred to the West India Association, of 
which Colonel Bolton was president, to report 
upon whether an increase in the pay of the office 
was desirable or deserved. The Association 
reported adverse to Major Brooks' application. 
He immediately, publicly, and in the most 
disgraceful manner, accused Colonel Bolton with 
being the cause of this refusal, as he had learnt 
that the Colonel had said that ".£700 a year was 
quite income enough for a comparatively young, 
unmarried man." Major Brooks, forgetting that 
Colonel Bolton's friendship and influence had 
obtained for him, in the first instance, his appoint- 
ment, did his utmost to force his benefactor into 
collision with him, and to such an extent was this 
annoyance carried, that at length a hostile meet- 
ing was arranged between the parties. As a 
soldier and gentleman, Colonel Bolton could no 
longer keep quiet. Major Brooks possessed, 
unfortunately for himself, a great amount of 
irritable vanity and pugnacity. He had been 
" out," as it was then called, not long before with 
Captain Carmichael, whose trial by court-martial 
I have just detailed, upon some point of difference 
in military discipline. The meeting took place on 
Bootle Sands, and, to show Major Brooks's temper, 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 05 

on Captain Carmichael firing in the air, lie 

exclaimed : " D it, why don't you fire at me 

— we did not come here for child's play !" In 
those days duelling was very prevalent, and 
small words brought out pistols and coffins for two. 
The first meeting between Colonel Bolton and 
Major Brooks was to have come off on the 
20th December, 1804, at a place called Miller's 
Dam, on the Aigburth-road, which, if I recollect 
rightly, was a small creek which ran up to a mill 
— long and long ago, swept away. The circum- 
stance of the quarrel, however, having by some 
means got abroad, the authorities interposed and 
both gentlemen were arrested on their way to the 
rendezvous. They were both bound over, in 
very heavy penalties, to keep the peace to all and 
sundry of His Majesty's subjects, and each other 
in particular, for twelve calendar months. Brooks, 
on being arrested, exhibited the utmost rage 
and virulence, and expressed himself in strong 
language against the Colonel, accusing him 
roundly of being the cause of the arrest, and the 
interference they had met with. There was not 
n word of truth in this charge, Colonel Bolton, 
though forced into the matter, according to the 
laws of honour, kept the meeting a secret, and 
it was afterwards actually proved that the secret 
of the meeting oozed out from one of Major 
Brooks' own friends. 



96 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

During the twelve months the two gentlemen 
were bound over, Brooks let slip no opportunity 
of insulting Colonel Bolton i as far as he dared 
without coming into actual collision, He said he 
was the cause of their meeting being interrupted, 
although he had been frequently assured of the 
truth. As the twelve months were about to 
expire, Major Brooks increased his violence. On 
the clay the bond ceased to have effect, the Major, 
meeting Colonel Bolton walking with Colonel 
Earle past the shop, kept at present by Mr. Allen- 
der, in Castle- street, then and there publicly again 
insulted him, and called him by a name which 
no gentleman could put up with. A challenge 
was the consequence. The report of the disturb- 
ance soon reached the Exchange, and the 
authorities again stepped forward to prevent 
hostilities. Colonel Bolton was again arrested 
and bound over, and Major Brooks was taken 
into custody. The latter denied the right of the 
authorities to arrest him, asserting that he had 
done nothing of sufficient weight to break his 
bond, and that he could not be again bound over 
until the year of bondage had expired. The 
Major was some hours in custody, but was at 
length released without promising anything. He 
was no sooner at liberty than he sent a friend 
to Colonel Bolton, who consented to a meeting 
for that very afternoon. This was on the 20 th 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 97 

of" December, 1805. The place of rendezvous on 
this occasion was in a field at the foot of Love- 
lane (now called Fairclough-lane), which was 
skirted by it. The exact spot of meeting was 
in a field about half-way between the present 
Boundary-street (then a narrow lane with hedges) 
and St. Jude's Chiirch. It was near Fielding's 
nursery ground, which occupied the land now 
used as a timber-yard. It was quite dark when 
the combatants arrived. Major Brooks was 
accompanied by Mr. Forbes. Mr. Park, surgeon, 
who resided at the corner of Newington-bridge, was 
taken up by Colonel Bolton on his way to the 
place of meeting in his carriage. Mr. Harris was 
Colonel Bolton's second. When the parties got over 
into the field it was found that they could not see to 
load the pistols. It would then be about six 
o'clock. Candles were therefore procured to 
enable them to complete the necessary arrange- 
ments. 

As soon as the combatants had taken the places 
allotted to them, Colonel Bolton observed that, 
according to the laws of honour and duelling, the 
[Major was entitled to fire first. To this the 
Major assented, and fired immediately, the shot 
passing harmlessly by the Colonel, who then 
fired in his turn, hitting Major Brooks in the 
right eye. The Major instantly fell and died. 
Colonel Bolton was hurried off and remained in 



98 EECOLLECTIOXS OF 

concealment for a short time. It was said that 
the firing of the pistols was heard in Major 
Brooks' house at the corner of Daulby-street. 
An inquiry was held, when a verdict of wilful 
murder was found, but in consequence of the 
strong recommendations of Major Brooks's friends, 
admitting that he was entirely to blame, and that 
his dreadful fate was entirely brought on by him- 
self, the matter past over without further notice, 
everyone admitting that Colonel Bolton had 
conducted himself with the utmost forbearance 
as well as courage, and that he deserved the 
highest encomiums for his gentlemanly and 
straightforward behaviour throughout this most 
painful affair. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 99 



CHAPTEE V. 

Some five years previous to this event, about 
the month of June, 1800, a circumstance occurred 
which created a great sensation in the tovm, and 
occupied public attention in a most remarkable 
degree. It seems rather out of chronological 
order to go back five years ; but the reader who 
favours me with his attention must be content 
to obtain my information as I can impart it. My 
head is not so clear as it used to be in the arrange- 
ment of such matters. 

In the year mentioned there was a merchant 
established in Liverpool of the name of Wain- 
wright, who was one of the actors in what 
nearly proved to be a tragedy. At a place called 
Tunstall, near Burslem, in Staffordshire, resided 
an earthenware manufacturer named Theophilus 
Smith. This Smith was in difficulties and his 
affairs were in much disorder. His creditors were 



100 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

hostile to Mm, and he for some time had been 
endeavouring to obtain a settlement with them. 
Amongst other creditors was Mr. Wainwright. 
He, however, was not one of the hostile party, 
but was very well-disposed towards Mr. Smith. 
One day, in the month of June, Mr. Wainwright 
received an anonymous letter, requesting him to 
meet the writer at a small public-house near the 
" Olympic Circus," which was a temporary place 
of amusement erected in Christian-street, then 
beginning to be built upon (the Adelphi Theatre 
in Christian-street succeeded the Circus — in fact, 
this place of amusement w r as called "the Circus" 
for many years). Mr. Wainwright, on carefully 
examining the letter, fancied he recognised Smith's 
handwriting, and resolved upon keeping the 
appointment, supposing that Smith, fearing 
arrest, dared not openly wait upon him. An arrest 
was an easy matter then. It was only necessary 
to swear to a debt and take out a writ and you could 
arrest anybody at a moment's notice, whether 
•they actually owed you anything or not. There 
used to be tough swearing in olden times. Mr. 
Wainwright w T ent to the house indicated and 
there, as he anticipated, found Theophilus Smith. 
Mr. Wainwright concluded that Smith was about 
to make some disclosures relative to his affairs 
and that was the reason he had sent for him. 
But Smith only produced a printed statement of 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 101 

his accounts, which had been previously circu- 
lated, and made no new discovery of any conse- 
quence ; lie, however, most strongly and earnestly 
entreated Mr. Wainwright to accompany him to 
Tunstall, where, he said, on the following afternoon, 
his creditors would meet, and where Mr. Wain- 
wright's presence would he conducive to their 
coming to terms. Mr. Wainwright at first 
refused to accede to this request, having important 
business of his own to attend to, but Smith was 
so importunate that he at length consented to 
accompany him, and they set out on the same 
afternoon in a chaise and pair. On their way, 
Smith was very friendly with Mr. Wainwright. 
and conversed with him as any man would with 
a friendly traveller on a long journey. On arriving 
within a mile of his house at Tunstall, Mr. Smith 
ordered the chaise to be stopped, and got out, 
and requested Mr. Wainwright to do the same, 
saying that a mile could be saved by walking across 
some fields adjacent. Mr. Smith at the time 
expressed his dread of being arrested if he were 
seen on the road along which the chaise 
would have to be driven. Mr. Wainwright, how- 
ever, declined to get out ; stating it was quite 
unnecessary to take so much precaution ; but at 
length, in consequence of Smith's earnest entreaty, 
he consented. They then proceeded across the 
fields on foot. As it was commencing to rain, 



102 RECOLLECTIONS OF' 

Mr. Smith pressed on Mr. Wainwright the use of 
his cloak ; but this Mr. Wainwright declined. 
Smith then led the way across the fields, by a 
stile path, till they arrived at length at a small 
thicket, through which they proceeded, when 
Smith stopped short, and said he knew a nearer 
way. Smith then led Mr. Wainwright into a 
meadow, and standing before him drew out a 
pistol. Mr. Wainwright immediately concluded 
that his fellow-passenger intended to put an end 
to his own life, and, after a sharp struggle, got 
the pistol from him, remonstrating with him 
upon the wickedness of the act. Smith, however, 
drew another pistol, and fired it at Mr. Wain- 
wright, fortunately without effect. The latter 
instantly sprang upon Mr. Smith and got him 
down, uttering loud cries for assistance. Smith 
begged hard for mercy, and on promising not to 
repeat his murderous attack, was allowed to get 
up. He was no sooner released and on his legs 
than he drew a third pistol, fired, and hit Mr. 
Wainwright in the body. The men again closed, 
when Smith drew a knife and made several 
attempts upon his companion's life by attempting 
to cut his throat, which was fortunately well 
protected by the thick rolls of cambric it was 
then the custom to tie round the neck, as well as 
by a thick scarf, which was cut through in 
several places. Mr. Wainwright, however, never 



OLD LIYEKPOOL. 103 

left hold of Smith until they reached his house 
when, the door suddenly opening, he rushed in and 
quickly closed it. He then came to the window 
and ordered Mr. Wainwright away, refusing him 
shelter, although it was growing dark and raining 
heavily. Mr. Wainwright contrived to crawl to a. 
cottage, where he was laid up for some time, but 
eventually recovered from the cuts and wounds 
inflicted upon him. Smith absconded, and A 
reward of £50 was offered for his capture. This 
was effected after some time in Pall Mall, London, 
by two Bow-street runners. Smith was committed 
for trial at Stafford assizes, where he was found 
guilty and sentenced to to be hung. He, however, 
escaped that punishment by destroying both 
himself and his wife in his cell in Stafford gaol, 
while awaiting his sentence. What Smith's 
motive could be for his conduct no one could 
conjecture. He would give no explanation on the 
subject though pressed to do so. It was supposed 
that [a sudden fit of insanity had seized him, and 
that his violence was the result of it. During the 
journey the two gentlemen were on the most 
friendly terms, taking their meals together and 
acting as travellers thrown together usually do. 
Mr. Wainwright's presence was most essential 
to Smith to allay the hostility of his creditors, and 
therefore, the attempts to make away with him 
were still more incomprehensible. 



101 BECOLLECTIOXS OF 

As I sit by my fire-side with two or three old 
friends — friends, indeed, for I have known them 
all for fifty, sixty, and seventy years — we talk over 
old times, faces, scenes and places, in a way that 
calls up the ghosts of the past to our dim eyes. 
If my readers could listen to our stories of the 
old town they would hear more about it in a night 
than my little amanuensis could write clown in a 
day. Many curious anecdotes and circumstances 
are called to remembrance by us, and I must say 
we talk of old times with a regretful yet pleasant 
feeling. I know I often startle some of my young 
friends by telling them of scenes I have witnessed 
in the last century, and I have often noticed them 
in their minds putting one year and another 
together, or subtracting one from another so that 
they might ascertain whether I was telling the 
truth or not. 

I don't believe there is another man in Liver- 
pool alive at this time who saw the Town Hall on 
fire in 1795. I saw it, I may say, almost break out, 
for I was in Castle-street in ten minutes after the 
alarm had spread through the town, and that was 
soon done, for Liverpool was not of the extent it is 
now. I believe half the inhabitants turned out 
into the streets to witness that awful sight, 
although it was at five o'clock on a frosty Sunday 
morning in January. For my part, I was aroused 
by the continuous springing of rattles by the 



) LIVERPOOL. 105 

watchmen, and the rushing sounds of people 
running along the street. I was soon out of bed 
and joined the throng of people who were hurrying 
to the scene of disaster. When I arrived there, a 
crowd had already assembled. Castle-street was 
•then very narrow. It was quite choked up with 
people. Dale-street was beginning to be crowded 
while High-street and Water-street were quite 
impassible. From the windows of all the houses 
the terrified inmates were to be observed eti 
dishabille, and the large inn in Water- street, the 
Talbot, which was nearly opposite the Town Hail, 
had people looking out at every window. 

The smoke first made its appearance at the 
lower windows of the Town Hall. The doors 
having been forced., a party of men got into the 
interior of the building, and brought out for safety 
the books of the various departments, and some of 
the town's officers having arrived, something like 
system took the place of the dreadful confusion 
which prevailed. The town records, the treasurer's 
accounts, and the muniments, &c, were safely 
removed to a house at the end of High-street. I 
helped to keep order. Assisted by many other 
volunteers for the work we formed a lane so that 
there should be no impediment to a quick removal 
of anything that was portable. The lire was first 
discovered about five o'clock in the morning 
by the watchman on duty in the street. 



106 KE COLLECTIONS OF 

They were dull old fellows, those watchmen, and of 
but little use, for in calling the hour nine times out 
often they made a mistake. The thieves laughed 
them to scorn. When the watchman saw smoke 
issuing from the windows he gave the alarm 
without delay. The fire soon showed itself, when 
it had once got ahead. When the new Exchange 
was erected, after the former one had been taken 
down in 1748, somebody persuaded the authorities 
to have the woodwork and timber of the new 
building steeped in a composition of rosin and 
turpentine, so as to make the wood more durable. 
It may therefore be readily imagined how 
inflammable such a composition would make the 
wood, and how fiercely it burned when once 
ignited. There had been a perceptible odour of 
some sort experienced in the Exchange building 
for some days, and this was afterwards discovered 
to have arisen from the woodwork under the 
council-chamber having taken fire through a flue 
communicating from the Loan-office ; and there 
is no doubt it had been smouldering for days 
before it actually made its appearance. It could 
not have been ten minutes after I arrived on the 
spot before the flames burst out in all their fury. 
It was an awfully grand sight. It was yet dark. 
What with the rushing and pushing of the anxious 
crowd, the roaring of the fierce flames, and the 
calling of distracted people, it was an event and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 107 

scene never to be forgotten. The building was 
soon all in a blaze, and nothing on earth could 
have stopped that frightful conflagration. It was 
a mercy it was a calm frosty morning or the 
houses in the four streets adjacent must have 
caught the flame. From the age of these houses, 
the quantity of timber in them, the narrowness of 
the streets, and the absence of a copious supply of 
water, I am sure Liverpool would have been half 
consumed if a wind had sprung up. I thought the 
building looked like a great funeral pile as the 
flames roared out on all sides. It was a grand, 
yet dreadful sight. The whole of Castle-street was 
occupied by people, although, from the position of 
the Exchange, a full front view could not be 
obtained, it being almost parallel with the west 
side of Castle-street. The best view of it was 
where I stood at the top of Dale-street, by Moss's 
bank. The dome, being constructed of wood, 
soon took fire, was burnt, and fell in. We had not 
then as now powerful engines, long reels of hose, 
and bands of active men well trained to their 
arduous and dangerous duties, still, everybody 
did his best and. seemed desirous of doing some- 
thing. We did that something with a will, but 
without much order, system, or discretion. The 
engines in use were not powerful, and the supply 
of water was not only tardy but scanty, as you may 
believe when I tell vou it had to be brought from 



108 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the town wells, the Dye-house Well in Greetham- 
street, the Old Fall Well in Eose-street (where 
Alderman's Bennett's ironwork warehouse stands, 
near the corner of Eose-street — by the way, Eose- 
street was called after Mr. Eose, who lived in the 
house next the Stork Hotel), and the wells on 
Shaw's-brow ; indeed, every possible source where 
water could be obtained, was put in requisition. 
The inhabitants allowed the rain-water to be taken 
from their water-butts in the vicinity to such il- 
liberal extent that I verily believe there was not a 
drop of rain-water to be got for love or money 
when that eventful day was out. Staid housewives 
for many a day after complained of the dirt 
the trampling of feet had made in their lobbies 
and yards, and deplored the loss of their stores of 
soft-water. At that time water was precious, 
every drop that could be obtained was saved, 
garnered, and carefully kept. Every drop of hard- 
water we consumed had to be brought to our 
doors and paid for by the " Hessian" or bucket. 
The water-carts were old butts upon wheels, drawn 
by sorry horses and driven by fat old creatures, 
half men half women in their attire and manners. 
The buckets were made of leather and the water 
was sold at a halfpenny per Hessian. They were 
so called, I believe, from their fancied resemblance 
to the Hessian boots. You may judge how inade- 
quate a supply of water we had when our wants 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 100 

were dependent upon such aid. The water-carts 
came rumbling and tumbling along the streets, 
in many cases losing one-half of their loads by 
the unusual speed at which they were driven and 
the awkwardness of their drivers. Water was also 
carted from the river, and I helped with 
others to push the carts up Water-street. The 
steep ascent of this street in its badly paved 
condition made this work extremely laborious. 
But everybody helped and did what they could, 
and those who did nothing made up for deeds 
by words and shouted and bawled and told the 
others what they ought to do. 

Fortunately, only one life was lost, that of a- 
fool-hardy young man who would press forward 
to see the fire better — he rushed up to the 
High-street door and a piece of timber fell on him. 
The surging of the crowd caused several persons 
to be struck down and trampled upon. I saved 
one woman's life by beating off the people who 
would have crushed her. By twelve o'clock the 
fire had slackened considerably, and by the evening 
it was to all appearance subdued. But the fire 
in the interior remained smouldering for some 
time afterwards. In the churches on that day 
the event was alluded to in a very feeling manner, 
and in St. Peter's Church the rector offered up 
a prayer of thanksgiving that the town had been 
spared from a more extensive calamity. 



110 EECOLLECTIOXS OF 

At this time High-street (there was a famous 
tavern called the " Punch-Bowl" in this street) was 
the communication between Castle-street and Old 
Hall-street, and it is a most strange circumstance 
that the direct line of road was not retained 
instead of cutting the new street called Exchange- 
street East through the houses and gardens 
between Tithebarn-street and Dale-street. It was 
a great mistake, and everybody said so at the 
time. Many great mistakes have been made in 
respect to our streets and public buildings, not 
the least of which was the blunder of filling up 
the Old Dock, and erecting that huge and uglv 
edifice, the Custom-house, thereon. 

I believe if the conflagration had extended from 
the Exchange to some distance in the adjoining 
streets, we should have had some vast improve- 
ments effected. From the narrowness of Castle- 
street may be imagined what a scene of confusion 
it must have been during the fire. It is quite 
a wonder that many lives were not lost during that 
morning of terror. The inhabitants of the four 
streets in many cases prepared for night, for the 
fire raged so fiercely at one time that the escape 
of the houses in the vicinity from destruction 
seemed miraculous. While I was helping to 
draw water from the yard of some people I knew 
in Castle-street, a burning ember or piece of 
timber fell into a lot of dirty paper which would 



OLD LIVERPOOL. Ill 

in five minutes have been alight if I had not been 
there to extinguish it. There were many such 
wonderful escapes recorded. 

The trial of Mr. Charles Angus for the alleged 
murder of Miss Margaret Burns (who was his 
late wife's half-sister) hi 1808; may be considered 
as one of the comes celebres of the time. It took 
place at Lancaster, on the 2nd of September,, 
before Sir Alan Chambre. Sergeant Cockle, 
and Messrs. Holroycl, Raine and Clark, were for 
the Crown ; Mr. T. Statham, attorney. Messrs. 
Topping, Scarlett, and Cross for the prisoner : 
Mr. Atkinson,, attorney. Mr. Angus was a 
gentleman of Scotch birth, and resided in Liver- 
pool — in King- street. I think. He had been at 
one time an assistant to a druggist, where he was 
supposed to have obtained a knowledge of the 
properties of poisons, and he was charged with 
putting this knowledge to account in attempting to- 
produce abortion in the case of Miss Burns, who 
was suspected of being pregnant by him, and thereby 
causing her death. Miss Burns was Mr. Angus's 
housekeeper, and governess to his three children. 
The case rested entirely on circumstantial 
evidence, made out against the prisoner by his 
conduct previous to the supposed commission of 
the deed, by his conduct at the time and after- 
wards. At the time the strongest prejudice ran 
against Mr. Angus, and it must be said that the 



-112 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

public were not satisfied with the verdict of the 
jury ; but at this distance of time, those who 
had an opportunity of looking over the evidence, 
and remembering the case in all its bearings, will 
at once say dispassionately that there was not a 
shadow of evidence against Mr. Angus. Miss 
Burns, who had been unwell for some time, was 
noticed previous to the 2 3rd of March, 1808, to 
be ailing, and that her size had materially 
enlarged; and it was suspected, as adduced by 
several witnesses, that she was enciente. On the 2 3rd 
of March she complained of being very unwell, 
and went to lie down on a sofa in the breakfast- 
room where she remained the whole of the day, 
thirsting and vomiting. Mr. Angus would not 
allow his servants to sit up with Miss Burns, but 
remained in the room with her the whole of that 
night, the next day, and the following night. On 
the 25th Miss Burns said she felt better. A 
servant on that morning was sent to Henry- 
street for some Madeira that Miss Burns fancied. 
On her return, not seeing the lady on the 
sofa, where an hour previous she had left her, 
she looked round the room and discovered her 
doubled up in a corner of the room with her face 
towards the wainscot, while Mr. Angus was asleep 
sitting in a chair covered by a counterpane. The 
evidence was most conflicting. Several witnesses 
declared Miss Burns was not pregnant, others 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 113 

that they believed she was. The medical evidence 
was also of a most bewildering and diverse nature. 
Some of the most eminent surgeons in Liverpool 
were examined, and none of them agreed on the 
case. This fact came out that no signs of child- 
birth were visible as having taken place — no dead 
infant was discovered. The room in which Miss 
Burns and Mr. Angus were, was at all times 
accessible to the servants, and no cries of parturit- 
ion were heard during the lady's illness. The 
fact of the matter was, Miss Burns had suffered 
from an internal complaint, and died from natural 
causes. This was shown by Dr. Carson, then a 
young and rising physician at the time, and who 
afterwards published a pamphlet in which he 
utterly demolished the medical evidence given at 
the trial for the crown. 

The jury, after a few minutes' deliberation^ 
returned a verdict, finding the prisoner " Not 
Guilty," on grounds as unimpeachable as the trial. 
In some of the circumstances attending . and 
resulting from it, it was disgraceful, especially on 
the part of the medical witnesses for the crown, 
in their conduct towards the one for the defence 
— Dr. Carson. I have before me an authentic 
"Report of the Trial," "A Vindication of their 
Opinions," published by those witnesses, and Dr. 
Carson's "Remarks" on that publication, in which 
he exposes their shortcomings with a master's 



114 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

hand, in a style as terse as it is bold, and as 
elegant as it is severe ; never were the weapons 
of irony, satire, and invective more effectively 
used ; his impeachment is as withering as his 
victory at the trial was complete. The authors 
of the " Vindications " had not only clone what 
in them lay to ruin him in every conceivable 
way, public and private, but they had exposed 
themselves to his "Remarks," all-pungent as they 
were, by going into court and giving opinions 
founded upon ' ; the most disgracefully deficient 
dissection ever made." The sore which they had 
inflicted upon themselves at the trial did not heal 
under the caustic of the " Remarks" ; and so the 
•doctor became a victim to local prejudice, passion, 
and persecution. But he gained to himself a 
world-wide reputation which outlived them all ; 
the honours of the French Academy were bestowed 
upon him, and he took his stand among the 
literary and scientific magnates of the day. As 
to the trial, the theory of the prosecution was that 
the prisoner caused the lady's death by adminis- 
tering a poison to procure abortion, and it was 
based upon a hole in the coats of the stomach, 
and a peculiar mark in the uterus ; the medical 
witnesses for the crown affirming that the former 
could not have arisen from any other known cause 
than poison, and the latter a sure sign of recent 
delivery. No poison was found in the stomach 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 115 

or intestines, nor were the supposed contents of 
the uterus ever found, and no other part of the 
body was examined. The hole in the stomach 
presented the same appearance, and was described 
in the same terms as those which John Hunter 
had called attention to as occuring in certain 
cases of sudden death, where there was no sus- 
picion of poisoning, and caused by the action 
of the gastric juice. Doctor Carson accepted 
Hunter's facts, but propounded a theory of his 
own, being guided to his conclusions by the 
experiments of Sir John Pringle and Dr. Bride, 
in reference to water at the temperature of 90 
degrees dissolving animal substances. He success- 
fully combated the notion about poisoning from 
another point of view, namely, the symptoms 
during life, the comparative mildness of which 
did not correspond with the usual effects of the 
poison fixed upon. As to the mark in the uterus, 
he gave his opinion that it might have arisen from 
other causes than the one alleged ; two phe- 
nomena were absent, and upon this fact he asserted 
it to be physically impossible that there could have 
been a recent delivery ; and, moreover, in . his 
" Remarks," he proved mathematically that the 
mark was four times the size it ought to have 
been on that hypothesis. Miss Burns had not been 
attended professionally by any one as she was 
averse to doctors. Mr. Angus in his defence 



11 G RECOLLECTIONS OF 

ascribed the whole of the legal proceedings 

ox o 

against him to the malevolence of two interested 
parties, and had it not now been for their influence, 
the circumstance of Miss Burns' death would have 
passed over without remark. Mr. Angus, so far 
from desiring to harm Miss Burns, expressed 
himself as deeply indebted to her for her care of 
his children and the affection and attention to his 
comforts she had always manifested, and empha- 
tically declared he " loved and respected her too 
well to dream of doing her any harm." 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 117 



CHAPTEE VI. 

When I look around and see the various changes 

that have taken place in this " good old town " 

I am sometimes lost in wonderment. Narrow, 

inconvenient, ill-paved streets have been succeeded 

by broad thoroughfares — old tumble-down houses 

have been replaced by handsome and costly 

buildings, while the poor little humble shops that 

once were sufficient for our wants have been 

completely eclipsed by the gigantic and elegant 

iblishments " of the present day. 

f recollect Dale-street when it was a narrow 

oughfare, ill-paved and ill-lighted at night. 

[t was not half the present width. In 1808, as 

the town began to spread and its traffic increase, 

-rear complaints were constantly being made of 

the inconvenience of the principal streets, and it 

was agreed on all sides that something should be 

done towards improvement. The first movement 



118 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

was made by widening Dale-street ; the improve- 
ment being by throwing the thoroughfare open 
from Castle-street to Temple-court, but it really 
was not until 1820 that this street was set out in 
anything like a bold and handsome manner. 
Great difficulties were constantly thrown in the way 
of alterations by many of the inhabitants, who had 
lived in their old houses, made fortunes under 
their roofs, and were hoping to live and die where 
they had been born and brought up. Many 
tough battles had the authorities to fight with 
the owners of the property. Some were most 
unreasonable in the compensation they demanded, 
while others for a time obstinately refused to 
enter into any negotiations whatever, completely 
disregarding all promised advantages. The most 
obtuse and determined man was a shoemaker or 
cobbler, who owned a small house and shop which 
stood near Hockenall-alley. Nothing could per- 
suade him to go out of his house or listen to 
any proposition. Out he avouIcI not go, although 
his neighbours had disappeared and his house 
actually stood like an island in the midst of 
the traffic current. The road was carried on 
each side of his house, but there stood the 
cobbler's stall alone in its glory. While new and 
comfortable dwellings were springing up, the old 
cobbler laughed at his persecutors, defied them, 
and stood his ground in spite of all entreaty. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 119 

There the house stood in the middle of the street, 
and for a long time put a stop to further and 
complete improvement, until the authorities, 
roused by the indignation of the public, took 
forcible possession of the place and pulled the 
old obnoxious building about the owner's ears, 
in spite of his resistance and his fighting manfully 
for what he thought were his rights ; nor would 
he leave the house until it had been unroofed, 
the floors torn up, and the walls crumbling and 
falling down from room to room.. The cobbler 
stuck to his old house to the last, showing fight 
all through., with a determination and persistance 
worthy of a nobler cause. Some few years ago a 
barber, also in Dale-street, exhibited an equal 
degree of persistance in keeping possession of his 
shop which whs wanted for an improvement near 
Temple-street. This man clung to his old house 
and shop until it was made utterly uninhabitable. 
Dale- street, when I was a boy, was not very 
much broader than Sir Thomas's Buildings : in 
some parts it was quite as narrow, especially 
about Cumberland-street end. The carrying 
trade at one time from Liverpool was by means 
of packhorses, long strings of which used to leave 
the town with their burthens, attended by their 
drivers, and always mustered together in consider- 
able number in Dale-street previous to starting. 
This they did that they might be strong enough. 



ISO "RECOLLECTIONS OF 

to resist the highwaymen who infested the roads 
at the end of the last century. I have often 
heard my father talk of these free gentlemen's 
exploits, and the sometimes droll adventures 
arising from their presence. He used to tell a 
story of three volunteer officers going to Warring- 
ton by the stage to a county muster, being stopped 
by a pretended footpad (a friend in disguise) the 
oilier side of Prescot, and ignominiously robbed of 
everything they possessed, even their very swords. 
1 cannot say I believed the story, because I felt 
sure no officers, whatever service they might be 
in, would have allowed themselves to be so 
treated. My father frequented the tavern which 
stood where Promoli's Bazaar now stands, and 
where all the leading tradesmen used to assemble, 
and he told us that the three officers were there 
out* night and were terribly " trotted" about their 
losses and that they did not altogether ; ' deny the 
soft impeachment. ''" There was a good story 
current in Liverpool, I have been told, in 1745, 
touching the doings of Mr. Campbell's regiment 
which, when the rebellion broke out in that year, 
was suddenly called into active service with orders 
to march to Manchester, by way of Warrington, to 
resist a party of Scots said to be in that neighbour- 
hood. The regiment marched at night, and of 
course threw out an advanced guard. When about 
two miles this side of Warrington, the vanguard fell 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 1*21 

back reporting that they had seen a party of the 
enemy bivouacking in the road about a quarter 
of a mile ahead, and that they could see them 
quite plainly lying on the ground, at the biles 
and in the middle of the road. A halt was called, 
and a council of war summoned. Hearts beat 
quickly in some hardy frames who boldly advised 
an onward march, while others were for retreating 
until some good plan of attack could he determined 
upon. Some were for diverging from the road 
and continuing the march through the lanes 
and bye-ways, so that, if necessary, the en 
could be outflanked. One bolder than the rest 
offered to go forward as a scout. His prtipos 
was eagerly accepted. Away he went, and soon 
in the distance a terrible uproar was heard — 
the volunteers flew to arms, and waited in breath- 
less suspense. They were surprised, however, to 
hear the alarm raised, but no shots fired. The 
row subsided, when presently the gallant seout 
was seen approaching with a prisoner he had 
bravely captured — in the form of a fat goose. 
'1'he tart was that a flock of <j;ee^ had got out 
into the road, and they presented an appeari 
to the advanced guard of troops bivouacking. The 
bold men of Liverpool were then led undauntedly 
forward, and it was said that every other man 
marched into Warrington with his supper on his 
knapsa ( 



122 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

The most admirable improvements that the 
town underwent was when Lord-street was 
widened and the Crescent formed, the comple- 
tion of which undertaking cost upwards of half 
a million of money. Castle-street was narrow, 
badly paved, and badly lighted at night, as,, 
indeed, was the whole town. Yet, I recollect, 
there w 7 ere some people who objected to the 
improvements at the top of Lord-street, who 
clung pertinaciously to the old Potato Market, 
and the block of buildings called Castle Hill; 
The houses that were erected upon the site of 
Castle Ditch had the floors of some of their rooms 
greatly inclined in consequence of the subsidence 
of the soil. There was a joke current at 
the time that these apartments ought to be 
devoted to dining purposes, as the gravy would 
always run to one side of the plate ! 

A great increase has taken place in the value 
of property in every part of the town. In Castle- 
street sixty years ago a house and shop could be 
had for £30 per annum. The premises in which 
Koscoe's Bank was carried on, and now occupied 
by Messrs. Nixon, were purchased by Mr. Harvey 
who, finding his property remaining unoccupied for 
so long a time, began to despair of letting it, and grew 
quite nervous about his bargain. On the formation 
of Brunswick-street, projected in 1786, this hand- 
some thoroughfare was cut through Smock-alley 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 123 

and the houses in Chorley-street, and swept away a 
portion of the old Theatre Royal in Drury-lane ; it 
then ran down to the old Custom-house yard, on the 
site of which the Goree Piazzas and warehouses 
were erected. Drury-lane was formerly called 
Entwhistle-street, after an old and influential 
family who filled high offices in the town in their 
day. 

Any one can fancy what Castle-street must have 
been when the market was held in it, by filling 
Cable-street with baskets of farmers' produce, and 
blocking it up with all sorts of provisions and 
stalls, in which the usual marketable commodities 
would be exposed for sale. • 

The introduction of Gas in the town was an 
immense stride in the march of improvement ; 
yet there were not a few persons who bitterly 
complained of the Gas Company so often disturb- 
ing the streets to enable them to lay down their 
pipes. Frequent letters appeared in the papers 
of the time to that effect. Previous to 1817 the 
town was wretchedly lighted by oil lamps which 
used to go out upon all trifling occasions and for 
insufficient reasons. They only pretended to 
show light at the best of times. The lamps were 
not lit in summer nor on moonlight nights. They 
were generally extinguished by four or five o'clock 
in the morning. 

The gentry were at one time attended by link- 



124 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

men or boys in their night excursions. These 
links were stiff, tarred ropes about the thickness 
of a man's arm. They gave a flaring light with 
any quantity of bituminous-odoured smoke, hi 
front of one or two of the old houses of Liverpool 
I have seen a remnant of the link days, in an 
extinguisher attached to the lamp iron. I think 
there is (or was) one in Mount Pleasant, near, the 
house with the variegated pebble pavement in 
front (laid down, by the way, by a blind man). The 
link-extinguisher was a sort of narrow iron funnel 
of about six inches in diameter at the widest end. 
It was usually attached to a lamp-iron, and was 
used by thrusting the link up it, when the light 
was to be put out. 

People in those days seldom went out at night 
without a lantern, for what with the ruggcdness of 
the pavements and the vile state of the roads it 
was by no means safe to life or limb to go without 
some mode of illuminating the way. 

Gas was introduced in 181 G and 1817. Only 
one side of Castle-street was lighted at first. 
While we now acknowledge the invaluable intro- 
duction of this fluid, when we consider the vast 
area over which it casts its pleasant and cheerful 
beams, and the price we also pay for such an 
unmistakeable comfort and blessing, we shall not, 
fail to peruse the first advertisement of the das 
Company with intense interest. With this belief 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 



12 ;■ 



I insert a copy of it. The rate of charge and 
the mode of ascertaining the quantity of light 
consumed cannot hut prove curious to us and 
rather puzzling perhaps to understand. 

LIVERPOOL GAS-LIGHT COMPANY. 

SCALE of Charges per Annum for Burners of various 
sizes, calculated for lighting to the hours below men- 
tioned: — • 





Till Till Till Till 


Till 




S o'Clock. 


9 o'Clock. 10 o'clock. 11 o'clock. 


12 o'Clock, 


One 
Argand. 




1 




£ S. d. 


£ s. d. \ £ s. d, £ s. d. 


£ s. d. 


No. 1, 


3 


3 18 i 4 16 I 5 12 


6 8 


No. 2, 


2 14 


3 5 4 


4 14 


5 8 


No. 2. 


2 2 


2 14 3 7 


3 18 


4 10 


One 










Bat wing. 


2 14 1 3 5 U 1 4 14 


5 8 



Persons who wish to take the Light, may make applica- 
tion at the Company's Office, Hatton- garden, where their 
names will be entered numerically in a Book, and Branch- 
pipes laid in rotation, the Company only contracting to fix 
the pipes just within the house, and to supply the Light 
when the interior is fitted up, and made air-tight and per- 
fect, which must be done by each individual, and approved 
by the Company's Engineer. 

No extra charge will be made, if the Light be extin- 
guished in a quarter of an hour after the time contracted 
for, and on Saturday evenings the Compairy will allow 
burning till twelve o'clock. 

The Bents will be collected at the commencement of 
each Quarter, and will be apportioned as follows: Two- 
Thirds of the above prices for the two winter quarters, and 
One-third for the two summer quarters. If the Lights 
amount, by the above table, to £10 per annum, a Discount 
of 2^ per cent, will be allowed; if to £20, 5 per cent.: if 
to £30, 7^ per cent.; if to £40, 10 per cent.; and if to £50, 
\2\ per cent. 

By Order of the Committee, 

rHABLES ROWLINSON, 

6tf June, 181T. Secretary. 



126 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

Just fancy such a tariff to be in existence at 
present ! 

Lord-street, previous to 1827. was very narrow ; 
it was not so wide even as Dale-street. The houses 
and all the streets in Liverpool were just as we 
see in third-rate country towns, having bowed 
shop-windows, or square ones, projecting from 
the side of the house. I recollect Church-street 
and Ranelagh-sreet being paved in the centre 
only. Cable-street, Redcross-street and Park-lane 
were only flagged in 18.21 ; and nearly all the 
houses in these streets were then private dwellings. 
In Ranelagh-street the houses had high steps to 
the front doors. The porches of the old houses 
in Liverpool were remarkable for their handsome 
appearance and patterns. Many still remain 
but they are yearly decreasing in number. I 
recollect when the only shops in Church-street 
were a grocer's (where part of Compton House 
now stands) and a confectioner's at the corner of 
Church-alley. Bold-street was nearly all private 
houses, and there were very few shops in it, 
even some forty years ago. Seventy years since 
there was scarcely a house of any sort in it. 
I have been told that where the Athenaeum now 
stands in Church-street there was once a large 
pond on which the skaters used to cut a figure, 
and that a farm-house stood at the corner of 
Hanover-street. Some houses in Hanover-street 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 127 

will be noticed as being built out at angles with 
the street. This was to secure a good view of 
the river from the windows, At the corner of 
Bold-street some ninety years ago was a milk- 
man's cottage and dairy. Wliitechapel, when 
I was a lad, was a dreadful thoroughfare. I have 
seen it deep in water, and boats rowed about, 
conveying people from house to house, in times 
of flood. There used to be a channel with water 
running down the centre of the street, which Avas 
considerably lower than it is at present. It was 
no uncommon thing for the cellars of all the 
houses to be filled with water, and even now, I 
believe, some portion of the neighbourhood is not 
unfrequently rendered damp and uncomfortable. 
In the cellars under the Forum, in Marble- street,, 
there is a very deep well which is at all times full ; 
this well drains the premises. This Forum, about 
fifty years ago. was a well-known and much 
frequented arena for disputations of all sorts. 
Many a clever speaker has addressed audiences 
now passed away. Speaker and spoken to are 
for the most part gone. A great change took 
place some forty years ago in the locality where 
St. John's Market now stands. There was a rope- 
walk here which extended from where the angle 
of the building faces the Amphitheatre, as far 
as Renshaw-street. There was a field at one 
time to the north of the ropery skirted by hedges 



128 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

which went down the site of the present Hood- 
street, and round to where there is now a large 
draper's shop in the Old Haymarket ; the hedge 
then went up Johns-lane, and so round by the 
site of the lamp opposite the Queen's Hotel, along 
Limekiln-lane to Eaneiagh-street. These were 
all fields, being a portion of what was anciently 
called " the Great Heath." It was at one time 
intended to erect a handsome Crescent where the 
cab-stand is now. The almshouses stood on 
this ground, Limekiln-lane, now Lime-street, 
was so called from the limekiln that stood on the 
site of the present Skelhorii-street. Here were 
open fields, which extended to the London-road, 
quite famous for the assembling of all sorts of 
rough characters, especially on summer evenings, 
and on Sundays. Cock-fighting, dog-fighting, 
-and pugilistic encounters used to be carried on 
daily, and scenes of the utmost confusion took 
place, until public murmurings compelled the 
authorities to keep order. It was in the fields 
about where the Lord Nelson-street rooms stand, 
that my grandfather recollects seeing three, if 
not four, men hung for being mixed up in the 
rebellion of '45. They were hung there in chains 
for some time, and afterwards buried at the 
foot of the gallows as a warning to evil-doers. 

There were several mills in this vicinity, one of 
which was called the White Mill, and there was a 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 1 *2 9 

very curious story once comnionly current about 
it. in the town to the effect that the owner of it 
had been murdered by a friend of his who kept a 
mill lower down the hill. Whitemill-street is 
called after this White Mill. The lower mill 
stood where Hotham-street is now, which formerly 
was called Duncan-street. The mill occupied the- 
site of the Quaker's school, which was pulled 
down to make room for the railway yard. When 
this mill was razed to the ground, a grave was 
discovered in the foundation, in which was a 
skeleton, and it was freely said that this was the 
White Mill miller, who had so mysteriously dis- 
appeared some years previously. It was the talk 
of the town at the time, and crowds of persons 
went to the spot to look at the grave. When the 
mill in Dune an- street was taken down it was so 
rotten that it was razed to the ground in one day. 
Where St. George's Hall now stands was the 
Infirmary. It faced Islington Triangle, after- 
wards converted into a market-place, being built 
round with small shops, having a pump in the 
middle. When this market was discontinued in 
1848, the tenants were removed to Gill-street, on 
its opening in September of that year. The 
Infirmary consisted of two wings and a centre : at 
the back was a spacious garden or airing ground. 
On Shaw's Brow lived the potters. There were 
upwards of 2,000 persons engaged in this trade. 



130 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

which was carried on to a very great extent. 
Pottery in Liverpool was a considerable manufac- 
ture, and it is said that it was Mr. Sadler, a potter 
who lived in Harrington-street, that first discovered 
the art of printing upon earthenware, through 
seeing his children stick pieces of printed cotton 
fabric on some damaged plates they were playing 
with. There were many other large potteries in 
Liverpool at one period, besides those on Shaw's 
Brow. There was one at the corner of Fontenoy- 
street, of which Alderman Shaw was proprietor. 
There w^as one at the bottom of Duke-street. 
This was kept by Mr. Drinkwater, who married 
Captain Leece's daughter, after whom Leece-street 
is named. Pothouse-lane is a reminder of the 
old trade. There were other potteries on 
Copperas-hill. I do not recollect much about 
these potteries ; but I have heard my father and 
mother talk about them amongst their " Recollec- 
tions.*' This trade seems to have departed from 
this town most strangely. The last remnant of it 
was in the works that were in operation down 
by the river-side near the present Toxteth Docks. 
Watch-making has always been a great trade in 
Liverpool. The first introducer of it was Mr. 
Wyke, who lived in Dale-street, on the site of the 
present public offices. Mr. Wyke came from 
Prescot, and carried on a large trade in watches 
about the vear 1758. Mr. Litherland, the inven- 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 181 

tor of the chronometer, died in Church-street. On 
Mr. Wyke's premises and garden the Gas Works 
were afterwards erected, which were removed to 
Newington some few years ago. Amongst many- 
others I have seen some very remarkable changes 
that have taken place about Bevington-hill. I 
recollect very well what is now called " Summer 
S(at"" being gardens, and the view from them to 
the river quite uninterrupted. There was near 
them a house built by a shoemaker who had made 
a fortune by his trade: it was called " Lapstone 
Hall." The inn called the " Bush" had a bough 
hanging out with the motto " Good Wine Needs 
no Bush."' The sailors were very fond of going 
up to Bevington Bush on Sundays with their 
sweethearts, and many a boisterous scene have I 
witnessed there. The view was really beautiful 
from the gardens. Where the market stands in 
Scotland-road there used to be a large stone 
quarry. The houses in Scotland-road beyond 
the market are all of very late erection. I can 
well recollect open fields and market gardens 
thereabouts, and, indeed, all the way up where 
Scotland-road now is, there used to be fields. 
The Preston-road wound round up Bevington- 
Bush. The Everton range looked very pretty from 
the Kirkdaie-road, especially when handsome man- 
sions began to dot its crest. I recollect along this 
road cornfields, meadows and gardens. Scotland- 



132 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

road is a comparatively newly-formed thoroughfare. 
Any one turning to the left at the bottom of 
Scotland-road, and going to Bevington-Bush will 
see, in those old houses on the right hand, of what 
Liverpool, in my young days, was composed. 
"Tery few specimens of the old town houses are 
now remaining, so speedily do they become 
modernized and altered. I like those quaint old 
buildings although they were not very comfortable 
within, from their narrow windows and low 
ceilings, but there has been a great deal of mirth 
and jollity in some of those old low-roofed houses 
in the town, in our great privateering and slave- 
dealing times. 

I have often heard old people talk about their 
i£ Recollections" of the town. I have heard them 
speak of Clayton-square being laid out in the 
memorable year of 1745. Mrs. or Madame 
Clayton to whose family this part of the town 
chiefly belonged, was the daughter of Mr. Clayton 
who was Mayor in 1C89, and who represented the 
town in parliament for eight sessions. Madame 
Clayton's house stood near Cases-street. Her 
garden was said to have been the best kept and 
most productive in the town. It was this lady 
who started the first private carriage in Liverpool. 
I have heard it said that people used to stare at 
it, as if it was something wonderful. The streets 
about Church-street are all called after the old 



OLD LIVEBPOOL. 133 

families. Parker-street was called after Mr. 
Parker, of Cuerdon, who married Miss Ann 
Clayton. Their daughter Jane married one of 
the Tarletons. Tarleton-street is named after 
Colonel Banastre Tarleton. B anas tre- street "Tsr 
named after him also. Houghton-street is after 
the old Houghton family. Williamson-square w r as 
laid out in 1745 by Mr. Williamson. Basnett- 
street was called after the Basnetts, at one time 
a very influential family of old Liverpool; Leigh- 
street after the Leighs ; Cases-street after the 
Cases. Mr. Rose, who projected many streets 
at the north end of the town on his extensive 
property, seems to have adopted the poets' names 
to distinguish his thoroughfares, as in Chaucer, 
Ben Jonson, Juvenal, Virgil, Dry den, Milton, 
Sawney (Alexander) Pope-street, &c. Meadows- 
street, Scotland-road, was named after Mr. William 
Meadows, who married six wives. His first 
wife lived two years. He next married Peggy 
Robinson, who lived twenty years, and bore him 
children ; after being a widower a month, he 
again married. This wife lived two years. After 
remaining a widower seven weeks, he married his 
fourth wife, who lived eighteen years. After a 
nine months' single blessedness he again married. 
After his fifth wife's death he remained a widower 
thirty-four weeks, and at the age of seventy-five, 
on the 10th of June, 1807, he married Miss Ann 
9 



134 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Lowe, of Preston-street. William Meadows was 
thought to be a bold man. Maguire-street was 
named after Mr. Maguire who kept a shop in 
Lord-street. Benson-street was called after Moses 
Benson, Esq. Bixteth-street after Alderman 
Bixteth, who is said " to have been publicly 
thanked by the authorities for paving the front 
of his house with his own hands." Pudsey-street 
after Pudsey Dawson. Seel-street after Mr. Seel, 
who lived at the corner of it. Wolstenholme- 
square and street, after an influential family of 
that name. Bold-street after the Bolds, who built 
the first house in it ; now occupied by Mr. Dismore. 
Colquitt-street after the Colquitts, whose mansion 
was converted into the Eoyal Institution. Berry- 
street, was named after Captain Berry, who built 
the first house at the corner of Bold-street. Crop- 
per-street after the Cropper family. Fazakerly- 
street after the Fazakerlys. Oakes-street after 
Captain Oakes, who died in 1808. Lydia Ann- 
street after Mademoiselle Lydia Ann De La Croix, 
who married Mr. Perry, the originator of Fawcett's 
foundry, and the Coal Brook Dale iron works. 
Mason-street, Edge-hill, was named after Mr. 
Mason, who built and endowed Edge-hill church, 
and whose mansion stood at the corner of Mason- 
street, the gardens of which extended to the 
bottom of Paddington. James-street was named 
after Mr. Boger James, who held large property 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 135 

in it. Preeson's-row was named after Alderman 
Preeson, who built Ms house and two others of 
the old Castle materials. Part of Castle-street is 
also constructed of the timbers and stones. Old 
Peter-street which ran out of School-lane has 
disappeared. Crosshall-street was called after 
the Hall and gardens of the Crosses which stood 
on the site of (or about) Manchester-street. Part 
of Fen wick -street was called Dry Bridge, a bridge 
passing over the Old Ropery, the name of which 
is perpetuated in that street. Holden's Weint was 
re-named Brook-street. Lower Stanley-street was 
re-named Button-street, after Mr. Button, who 
lived to a great age, and saw I don't know how 
many king's reigns. The streets of Liverpool 
seem to have been named, in some parts of the 
town, as it were, in classes, as I have mentioned. 
Mr. Bose called his new thoroughfares after the 
poets, and in another neighbourhood we find the 
names of celebrated commanders affording street- 
titles as in Blake-street, Duncan-street (afterwards 
Hotham-street), Clarence-street, Bus sell-street, 
Rodney-street, Seymour-street, Rupert-street, &c. 
While on the site of the old Botanic Gardens at 
the top of Oxford-street, we find Laurel-street, 
Grove-street, Oak, Vine, and Myrtle-streets. In 
Kensington, on the site of Dr. Solomon's property, 
we have streets named after celebrated lawyers, 
and this locality is jocosely called "Judge's 



136 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

Land." We have streets thereabout bearing the 
names of Cottenham, Coltman, Wightman, Patte- 
son, Pollock, and Coleridge, and there may also 
be found a Gilead and a Solomon-street. 

By the way, a reference to Dr. Solomon's 
property, at Kensington, reminds me of the good 
stories that were current in Liverpool about the 
worthy doctor himself. I recollect one wherein 
the laugh was loud at the Custom-house 
authorities, who had been nicely bitten by a 
seizure they had made of some of the doctor's 
" exports." It was said that a quantity of " Balm 
of Gilead," upon which drawback was claimed, 
had been seized by the Custom-house people as 
not being of the specified value to entitle Dr. 
Solomon to claim so large an amount of drawback. 
The doctor was, as may be supposed, very wrath 
at his " goots" being waylaid, but he determined 
upon revenge. Making up a lot of sugar and 
w T ater, well-flavoured with spice, the doctor entered 
a large case " outward," declaring it to be of the 
same value as the former seized case. The trap 
fell, and the Custom-house authorities were 
caught, to the intense satisfaction of the doctor, 
who told them he " vould teach them to seize his 
goots !" 

Another story is told of the doctor once enter- 
taining a party of gentlemen at Gilead House (as 
was often his custom), and towards the close of the 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 137 

evening, some one began joking the doctor about 
his " Balm of Gilead." The doctor bore the 
jesting very well, and on being told he ought to 
let those present taste it, readily consented to 
open a few bottles. Now this Balm, I believe, 
was very good, and was made, it was said, of 
strong alcohol or brandy, and the richest spices. 
The bottles of " Balm" }3assed round and were 
duly appreciated. On the guests preparing to 
leave, they were presented with " a little bill" 
amounting to about a guinea each for the Balm 
of Gilead which had been consumed. The doctor 
telling them that it was by means of the " Balm" 
he lived, and through the " Balm" he was enabled 
to invite them to partake of his really bountiful 
hospitality. Each guest paid his bill, admit- 
ting that the doctor was right, and that they had 
merited the reproof so properly administered to 
them. 

The doctor" used to drive a handsome team of 
four horses, and, of course, attracted a good deal 
of attention whenever he made his appearance in 
the streets. On one occasion the late Lord Sefton, 
who was through life a first-rate whip, drove up 
to Heywood's bank in his usual dashing style. 
Dr. Solomon was tooling along behind his lord- 
ship, and desirous of emulating his mode of 
handling the reins and whip, gave the latter such 
a flourish as to get the lash so firmly fixed round 



138 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

his neck as to require his groom's aid to release 
him from its folds. 

I will now give the derivations of a few more 
streets, as I have heard them spoken of by old 
people ; they may be interesting to my readers. 
Benn's Gardens was called after Mr. Benn, who 
was bailiff, in 1697. He resided in Pool-lane, 
now South Castle-street ; his garden occupied this 
locality. Atherton-street was named after Mr. 
Peter Atherton, who was bailiff, in 1673. Bird- 
street was named after Mr. Joseph Bird, who 
was bailiff, in 1738 ; mayor in 1746. In Birch- 
field resided Mr. Birch. Boscoe lived here at one 
time, and it was here he wrote the greater part of 
the lives of " The Medici." I recollect a great 
many fine trees being in and about this vicinity. 
Bolton-street was named after John Bolton, 
Esq., or Colonel Bolton as he was called. Byrom- 
street was named after Octavius Byrom. Chisen- 
h ale-street is named after Chisenhale Johnson. 
Chorley-street is called after Mr. Chorley, who 
was recorder of Liverpool from 1602 till 1620. 
Canning-street is named in honour of the states- 
man. Cleveland-square takes its name from the 
Clevelands ; it was formerly called Price- 
square. The Prices were lords of the manor 
of Birkenhead. Gildart Garden is named after 
Mr. Gildart, who was bailiff in 1712, and mayor 
in 1714, 1731, and 1736. Gill-street is named 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 130 

after Mr. Gill, who owned the land thereabouts. 
Harrington-street is called after the Harrington 
family, who once held considerable property in 
Liverpool. Hackin's-hey is called after John 
Hackin, who was a tenant of the More's of olden 
time. Huskisson-street is named after the states- 
man at one time member for Liverpool. Cress- 
well-street after Sir Cresswell Cresswell, also 
an ex-borough member. Brougham-terrace, after 
Lord Brougham. Hockenhall- alley is called after 
a very old Liverpool family. Lord-street is 
named after Lord Molyneux. Eedcross-street 
was so named in consequence of a red obelisk 
which stood in the open ground, south of St. 
George's Church. This street was originally 
called Tarleton's New-street. Shaw-street was 
named after " Squire Shaw," who held much 
property at Everton. Sir Thomas's Buildings 
is called after Sir Thomas Johnson, who, when 
mayor, benevolently caused St. James's Mount to 
be erected as a means of employing the destitute 
poor in the severe winter of 1767. Strand-street 
derived its name from being the strand or shore 
of the river. Hunter-street and South Hunter- 
street, Maryland-street, Baltimore-street, &c, were 
named after Mr. John Hunter, an eminent mer- 
chant trading with the States, who dwelt in Mount 
Pleasant, and whose gardens extended to Rodney- 
street. 



140 EECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER VII. 

In 1801, my wife being out of health, I was advised 
to take her from town. As Everton was recom- 
mended by Dr. Parks, I looked about in that 
neighbourhood, and after some difficulty obtained 
accommodation in a neat farm-house which stood 
on the rise of the hill. I say it was with difficulty 
that I could meet with the rooms I required, or 
any rooms at all, for there were so few houses at 
Everton, and the occupants of them so independent, 
that they seemed loth to receive lodgers on any 
terms. It must appear strange to find Everton 
spoken of as being " out of town," but it was 
literally so then. It was, comparatively speaking, 
as much so as West Derby, or any of the neigh- 
bouring villages round Liverpool, are at present. 

The farm-house in which we resided has long since 
been swept away, with its barns, its piggery, and 
its shippon. Never more will its cornricks gladden 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 141 

the eye — never more will busy agricultural life 
be carried on in its precincts. Streets and courts 
full of houses cumber the ground. No more will 
the lark be heard over the cornfield — the brook 
seen running its silvery course — or the apple 
in the orchard reddening on the bending bough. 
The lark is represented by a canary in a gilded 
cage hanging out of a first-floor window — the 
corn-field by the baker's shop, with flour at eight 
pounds for a shilling — the brook is a sewer, and 
the apple is only seen at the greengrocer's shop 
at the corner, in company with American cheese, 
eggs, finnon-haddies, and lucifer matches. Ditch 
and hedge — the one with waving sedges and 
" Forget-me-nots" the other with the May blossom 
loading the evening air with its balmy breath — 
were as prevalent, at the time I speak about, in 
Everton, as you will now find in any country 
district. It was a pleasant place in summer and 
autumn time. ■ The neighbourhood of the Beacon 
was our favourite resort. Many a pleasant day 
we have spent at the top of it. The hill was 
covered with heather and gorse bushes. In 
winter it was as wild, bleak, and cold a place as 
any you could meet with. 

In the summer it was the delight of holiday- 
makers. A day's " out" to the Beacon, at Everton, 
was a very favourite excursion. The hill-side on 
Sundays used to be thronged with merry people, 



142 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

old and young. The view obtained from Everton 
Beacon-hill was a view indeed. 

And what a prospect ! What a noble panoramic 
scene ! I never saw its like. I do not think, in its 
way, such an one existed anywhere to be compared 
with it. At your feet the heather commenced the 
landscape, then came golden corn-fields and green 
pasture-lands, far and wide, until they reached 
the yellow undulating sand-hills that fringed the 
margin of the broad estuary, the sparkling waters 
of which, in the glow and fulness of the rich 
sunshine, gave life and animation to the scene, 
the interest of which was deeply enhanced, when 
on a day of high-tide, numbers of vessels might 
be seen spreading their snowy canvas in the wind 
as they set out on their distant and perilous 
voyages. In the middle ground of the picture 
was the peninsula of Wirral, while the river Dee 
might be seen shimmering like a silver thread 
under the blue hills of Wales, which occupied the 
back ground of the landscape. Westward was 
the ocean — next, the Formby shore attracted the 
eye. The sand-hills about Birkdale and Meols 
were visible. At certain seasons, and in peculiar 
states of the atmosphere, the hummocks of the 
Isle of Man were to be seen, while further north 
Black Combe, in Cumberland, was discernible. 
Bleasdale Scar, and the hills in Westmoreland, 
dimly made out the extreme distance. Ashurst 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 143 

Beacon, Billinge, and at their back Bivington-pike, 
were visible. Carrying the eye along the Billinge 
range, there were Garswood-park, Knowsley and 
Prescot; the smoke from the little town of St. 
Helen's might have been seen behind them. Far 
away to the eastward were the Derbyshire-hills. 
Then we saw those of Shropshire, until the eye 
rested on the Chester ranges, Beeston and Halton 
Castles being plainly before us. The old city of 
Chester was discernible with a good glass. The 
eye moved then along the Welsh hills until it 
rested on the Ormeshead and travelled out upon 
the North sea. Below us, to our left, was the town 
of Liverpool, the young giant just springing into 
vigorous life and preparing to put forth its might, 
majesty and strength, in Trade, Commerce, and 
Enterprise. The man of 1801 can scarcely 
believe his eyes in 1862. The distant view is 
still there, from the top of Everton church tower, 
but how wonderfully is all the foreground changed. 
The Beacon stood on the site of the eastern 
corner of Everton church. It was a square tower 
of two stories, and approached from the present 
Church-street by a little lane. Church-street was 
then a sandy winding road, having on one side 
the open heathery-hill, and on the other a low 
turf wall which enclosed the fields called " the 
Mosses/' which were indeed little better than 
marshes. The Beacon was constructed of the 



144 KEC0LLECT10NS OF 

red sandstone taken from the vicinity. I am no 
antiquarian, so that I can give but a poor opinion 
of its original date of erection. It was said by 
some to have been of great age — long previous 
to the time of Queen Elizabeth. Some even 
ascribed it to the time of the Earl of Chester ; 
but a learned friend of mine once told me, when 
talking on this subject, that that could not have 
been the case, as Beacons were not erected in 
tower shapes until after the time of Edward the 
Third. Beacons, previously to that period, were 
merely lighted fires in cressets, grates, baskets of 
large size, or of faggots piled up. Everton 
Beacon certainly looked very old and dilapidated, 
and had stood the shock and buffet of some 
centuries. Its size was about six yards square ; 
its height twenty-five feet. The basement floor 
w r as on a level with the ground, and was a square 
room in which there was, in one corner, a fire- 
place, much knocked about and broken. There 
was also a flight of narrow stone steps which led 
to the upper chamber. It was utterly bare of 
any fittings whatever ; but in the walls were 
indications of there having been fixtures 
at some time. There being no door to it the 
cattle which grazed on the hill had access to it 
at all times of storm or wind or heat, or as their 
bovine inclinations should prompt them to seek 
shelter, so that the floor, which was unflagged, 



OLD LIVERPOOL 145 

was always in a very dirty state. On ascending 
the stairs access was obtained to the upper apart- 
ment which was lighted by a broad window facing 
the westward. This room had been used as a 
sleeping apartment by the guard or custodian of 
the Beacon, the window serving as a look-out. 
I believe the combustibles used in lighting up the 
signals were stored in it, the lower room being 
occupied as the common living chamber. From 
the upper room a flight of stone steps led upon 
the roof or outer platform. In the south-west 
corner was a large stone tank in which the signal 
fires were lighted. It seemed to have been 
subjected to the action of intense heat. At one 
corner w T as a sort of pent-house which served as 
a shelter for the watchman in inclement weather. 
On the east w T all a gooseberry bush flourished 
surprisingly. How it came there no one knew — 
it had long been remembered in that position by 
every one who "knew anything about the Tower. 
A few years previous to the date I speak about, 
the Beacon was occupied by a cobbler who carried 
on his trade in it, and eked out a living by grazing 
a cow and some goats on the common land in the 
vicinity. He looked after them while he made, 
mended, or cobbled. It was a very current 
tradition in Everton that during the early part 
of the reign of Charles the First, people came up 
to Everton Beacon to be married, during the 



146 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

proscription of the clergy. When Thurot's expedi- 
tion was expected in 1760, it was said that Everton 
Hill was alive with people from the town waiting 
the freebooters' approach. A party of soldiers 
was then encamped on the hill, and I have been 
told the men had orders, on Thurot's appearance, to 
make signals if by day, and to light up the Beacon 
if at night, to communicate the intelligence of the 
French fleet being off the coast to the other Beacons 
at Ashurst and Billinge, Bivington-pike and else- 
where, and so spread the news into the north; 
while signals would also be taken up at Halton, 
Beeston, the Wreken, and thence to the south- 
ward. The most perfect arrangements for the 
transmission of this intelligence are said to have 
been made ; and I knew an old man at Everton 
who told me that he had on that occasion carted 
several loads of pitch-barrels and turpentine and 
stored them in the upper chamber of the Beacon 
to be ready in case of emergency. He said that 
during the French war, at the close of the reign of 
George the Second, the Beacon was filled with 
combustibles, and that there was a guard always 
kept therein. 

I am not sure if it is very generally known that 
it was to a Liverpool captain the discovery of the 
sailing of the Armada must be ascribed, and 
through him was made public in England. This 
captain's name was Humphrey Brook. He was 



OLD LIVERPOOL, 147 

outward bound from Liverpool to the Canaries 
when he saw the Spanish fleet in the distance, 
sailing north. Suspecting its errand he put his 
helm up and hastened back to Plymouth, where 
he spread the intelligence and caused it to be 
transmitted to London. He received substantial 
marks of favour from the Government for his fore- 
sight, prudence, and activity. 

In 1804 a telegraph station was established at 
Evert on. It stood where the schools are now 
built. It was discontinued in 1815. It consisted 
of an upright post whence amis extended at vari- 
ous angles — there was also a tall flag-staff for 
signals. While we were at Everton, a Mr. Hinde 
erected a house at the corner of Priory-lane, which 
he intended should represent the Beacon ; but it 
was not a bit like it originally, nor at the present 
time (for I believe the house is still standing). 
Mr. Hinde had not long erected his Tower before 
he found that it was giving way. To prevent it 
f alling he ran up a wing to the westward. He 
then found that it was necessary to erect a southern 
wing to keep that side up also. Hence the present 
appearance of the house which has always been a 
subject of wonder and remark by strangers at its 
eccentric and unusual aspect. 

I recollect St. Domingo Pit being much more 
extensive than it has been of late years. At one 
period it was fully one-third larger than it is now. 



148 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Those large stones that stand by its brink are the 
" Mere Stones." There were several more stones 
about which marked Everton' s ancient boundaries. 
There was one, I recollect, in the West Derby-road, 
near the Zoological Gardens. I often wonder if 
this relic of the past has been preserved. A branch 
of the Pool ran up the westward and formed an 
ornamental water in the grounds that skirted the 
Pool, a rustic bridge being thrown over it. The 
cottage at one corner of the Pool is the ancient 
pinfold, and the rent of it was paid to the lord of 
the manor. The view from this part of Everton 
was very fine before houses began to spring up in 
its vicinity. I do not know a finer prospect any- 
where about Liverpool. When we were staying 
at Everton there were very few houses. I dare 
say there were not fifty houses in the whole dis- 
trict, and the inhabitants did not muster more 
than 400 souls ; and it was not until 1818 or 1820 
that much increase took place in its population. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 140 



CHAPTER VIII. 

In 1820, a rather curious circumstance transpired, 
which created a good deal of conversation, and 
even consternation amongst the inhabitants of 
Everton. This was the extraordinary and myste- 
rious disappearance of the Cross which stood at 
the top of the village, a little to the westward of 
where the present Everton road is lineable with 
Everton-lodge. This Cross was a round pillar, 
about four feet from the top of three square stone 
steps. On the apex of the column was a sun-dial. 
This Cross had long been pronounced a nuisance, 
and fervent were the wishes for its removal by 
those who had to travel that road on a dark 
night, as frequent collisions took place from its 
being so much in the way of the traffic. When 
any one, however, spoke of its removal, the old 
inhabitants so strongly protested against its being 
touched, that the authorities gave up all hope of 
ever overcoming the prejudice in favour of its 

10 



150 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

remaining. However, a serious accident having 
occurred, it was at length determined by the 
late Sir William Shaw, to do what others dared 
not. One dark and stormy winter's night, when 
all Everton was at rest — for there were no old 
watchmen then to wake people up with their 
cries — two persons might have been seen stealing 
towards the Cross, in the midst of the elemental 
war which then raged. One of them bore a 
lantern, while the other wheeled before him a 
barrow, laden with crowbar, pickaxe, and spade. 
The rain descended in torrents, and the night was 
as dark as the deed they were about to commit 
could possibly require. They, approached the 
ancient gathering place, where, in olden times, 
during the sweating sickness, the people from 
Liverpool met the farmers of the district and 
there paid for all produce by depositing their 
money in bowls of water. Amidst the storm 
the two men for a moment surveyed their stony 
victim, and then commenced its destruction. 
First, with a strong effort, they toppled over the 
upper stone of the column ; then the next, and 
the next. They then wheeled them away, stone 
by stone, to the Eound House on Everton-brow, 
wherein each fragment was deposited. The 
base was then ruthlessly removed and carried 
away, and at length not a vestige was left to 
mark the spot where once stood Everton Cross 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 151 

—raised doubtless by pious hands on some remark- 
able occasion long forgotton. 

The Cross was thus safely housed and stored 
away in the Round House, and no one was the 
wiser. When morning dawned the astonishment 
of the early Everton birds was extreme. From 
house to house — few in nnmber, then — ran the 
news that Everton Cross had disappeared during 
the storm of the previous night. The inhabitants 
soon mustered on the spot, and deep and long 
and loud were the lamentations uttered at its 
removal. Who did it ? When ? How ? At 
length a whisper was passed from mouth to 
mouth— at first faintly and. scarcely intelligible — 
until, gathering strength as it travelled, it became 
at length boldly asserted that the Father of Lies 
had taken it away in the turbulence of the elements. 
And so the news spread through Liverpool, in the 
year 1820, that the Devil had run off with the 
Cross at Everton. My old friend, who many a 
time chuckled over his feat, and who told me of 
his doings, said that for many years he feared 
to tell the truth about it, so indignant Avere many 
of the inhabitants who knew that its disappearance 
could not have been attributable to satanic 
agency. My friend used to say that he had hard 
work to preserve his gravity when listening to 
the various versions that were prevalent of the 
circumstance. 



152 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Opposite the Cross there were some very old 
houses of the same type, character, and date as 
that known as Prince Rupert's cottage. The 
latter was a low, long building, constructed of 
stone, lath, and piaster, and presented the appear- 
ance of an ordinary country cottage. Prince 
Rupert's officers were quartered in the village 
houses. At the back of the cottage, Rupert 
constructed his first battery. It was a square 
platform, and was used as a garden, until cottage 
and all were swept away for the new streets now 
to be found thereabouts. I can recollect the whole 
of the land from Everton Village to Brunswick 
Road being pasture land, and Mr.. Plumpton's five 
houses in Everton Road, overlooking the fields, 
commanded high rents when first erected. Low- 
hill at this time was a rough, sandy, undulating lane 
with hedges on both sides. The only dwellings in 
it were a large house near the West Derby-road, 
and two low cottages opposite Phythian-street, still 
standing. The public-house at the corner of Low- 
hill, and the Pre scot-road is of considerable anti- 
quity, there having been a tavern at this spot from 
almost all time, so to speak. Hall-lane was then 
called Cheetham's-brow. 

Amongst other objects of interest that have 
disappeared at Everton, may be numbered " Greg- 
son's Well," which stood on the left hand side of 
the gateway of Mr. Gregson's mansion. This 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 153 

well, before water was brought into our town in 
such abundance, was a great resort for the 
matrons, maids, and children of the neighborhood, 
and slaked the thirst of many a weary traveller. 
It was a fine spring of water, and was approached 
by stone steps : the water issuing from a recess 
in the wall. " Gregson's Well " was a known 
trys ting-place. There was an iron railing which 
enclosed the side and ends of the well, to prevent 
accidents. The water from the well is still 
flowing, I have been told. The stream runs 
underground, behind the houses in Brunswick- 
road— or, at least, it did so a few years ago. I 
have seen the bed of the stream that ran in the 
olden time down Moss-street, laid open many times 
when the road has been taken up. There was 
a curious story once current about the way that 
Brunswick-road obtained its name. It is said 
that when the new streets in that vicinity were 
being laid out and named, the original appellation 
which it bore, was chalked up as copy for the 
painter ; but a patriotic lady, during the absence 
of the workman, rubbed out the old name and 
substituted for it " Brunswick-road," which name 
it has ever since borne. 

Where Mr. Gregson's house stood, or nearly 
so, there was a house which, in the early part of 
the last century, belonged to a gentleman and his 
sister named Fabius. Their real name was 



154 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Bean ; but, after the manner of the thenlearned, they 
assumed the name of Fabius, from " Faba." Mr. 
or, as he was called, " Dr." Fabius was an apothe- 
cary, and received brevet rank — I suppose from 
being the only medical practitioner about. At 
any rate, from the limited population of the 
vicinity, he was doubtless sufficient for its wants. 
This Mr. Fabius was one of the first Baptists in 
this part of the country, and in 1700 obtained a 
license from Manchester, to use a room in his 
house as a prayer-room for that particular class 
of worshippers. Mr. Fabius and his sister Hanna 
built, after a short time, a chapel or tabernacle of 
wood, in their garden, and gave to the Baptists 
" for ever" the " piece of land adjoining the chapel- 
field," as a burying-place ; and in this little ceme- 
tery have all the earliest leading members of this 
influential body been interred. It has been 
quite full for some years, and in consequence 
the Necropolis Cemetery sprung as it were from 
it, where dissenters of all denominations could be 
buried. The Baptists, increasing in numbers^ 
quitted Low-hill, and built a chapel in Byrom- 
street, which is now St. Matthew's church. When 
this chapel was built it was thought to be too far 
out of town to be well attended. 

There once lived a curious person at Low-hill 
who had peculiar tastes. He built a place which 
was called " Bat's Castle." It stood on the brink 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 155 

of a delf, the site of which is now occupied by the 
Prescot-street Bridewell. This person used to 
try experiments with food, such as cooking 
spiders, blackbeetles, rats, cats, mice, and other 
things not in common use ; and, it is said, was wont 
to play off tricks upon unsuspecting strangers by 
placing banquets before them that were quite 
unexpected and unprecedented in the nature and 
condition of the food. 

While lingering over my " Recollections'' of 
Everton, I ought not to forget mentioning that, as 
time went on and Liverpool became prosperous, 
and its merchants desired to get away from the 
dull town-houses and imbibe healthy, fresh air, 
this same Everton became quite the fashionable 
suburb and court-end of Liverpool. Noble man- 
sions sprung up, surrounded by well-kept gardens. 
Gradually the gorse-bush and the heather dis- 
appeared, and the best sites on the hill became 
occupied. The Everton gentry for their wealth 
and their pride were called " Nobles," and highly 
and proudly did they hold up their heads, and 
great state did many of the merchants who dwelt 
there keep up. The first mansion erected was on 
the Pilgrim Estate ; the next was St. Domingo 
House. A brief history of these estates may not 
be uninteresting. In 1790 the whole of Everton 
hereabouts was owned by two proprietors. When 
Everton was all open, waste, and uncultivated 



150 OLD LIVERPOOL. 

land, one portion of it was enclosed by a shoe- 
maker who called his acquisition " Cobbler's Close." 
This property was bought by Mr. Barton, who 
realized upwards of £190,000 through the cap- 
ture of a French vessel called La Liberie, by a 
vessel owned by Joseph Birch, Esq., M.P., called 
The Pilgrim. The estate of Cobblers' Close 
was then re-named " Pilgrim." The property next 
passed into the hands of Sir William Barton, who 
sold it to Mr. Atherton. It was this gentleman 
who gave the land on which Ever ton Church is 
built, with this stipulation only— that no funerals 
should enter by the West Gate. The reason 
assigned for this was because Mr. Atherton's house 
was opposite to it. 

Mr. Woodhouse purchased the Pilgrim estate 
from Mr. Atherton, and re-named it " Bronte,'' 
from his connection with the Bronte estate in 
Sicily, which had been bestowed on Lord Nelson 
for his great services. When Lord Nelson received 
his first consignment of Marsala wines ordered for 
the fleet from his estate, he was asked to give the 
wine a name so that it might be known to the 
English people. Nelson said " call it Bronte." 
His lordship was told that " Bronte" meant 
" thunder." " Oh," replied the hero, " it will do 
very well; John Bull will not know what it means, 
and will think all the better of it on that account." 

The St. Domingo Estate, in this vicinity, was 



RECOLLECTIONS OV 157 

originated by Mr: Campbell, who in 1757 purchased 
the estate. He continually added to it, as occasion 
presented, and called the whole " St. Domingo," in 
consequence of a rich prize taken by a privateer 
which he owned when off that island. These two 
contiguous estates may be said, therefore, to have 
been purchased by English bravery. 

Mr. Crosbie was the next proprietor. He pur- 
chased it for £3500, paying £680 as deposit money. 
On his becoming bankrupt the estate was again put 
up for sale. It remained some time on hand, until 
Messrs. Gregson, Bridge and Parke purchased it 
for £4129. They sold it for £3470, losing thereby. 
In 1793, Mr. Sparling, who w r as Mayor of Liver- 
pool in 1790, bought it. He took down the 
house built by Mr. Campbell and erected the hand- 
some mansion now standing. This gentleman 
stipulated in his will that the house should be only 
occupied by a person of the name of Sparling, and 
that it was not to be let to any person for longer 
than seven years. In 1810 the legatees got the 
will reversed by an act of Parliament. The Queen's 
Dock was projected by Mr. Sparling, and Sparling- 
street was called after him. The St. Domingo 
Estate was next sold for £20,295. It was after- 
wards resold for £26,383, and used as barracks. 

The objections made by the people of Everton 
to barracks being formed hi their neighbourhood 
were very great. A strong memorial was numer- 



158 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

ously signed by the inhabitants against the move- 
ment. The memorialists represented the demoral- 
ization attendant upon the introduction of num- 
bers of soldiers into a respectable and quiet 
neighbourhood, and the annoyances that would 
have to be endured. But the prayer failed, and 
St. Domingo House, for a time, became barracks 
accordingly. Everton appears always to have 
been a favourite locality for the quartering of sol- 
diery, when it has heen necessary or expedient to 
station them in the vicinity of Liverpool. On 
several occasions entire regiments have been 
quartered at Everton. 

The encampment of soldiers in the fields near 
Church-street, which a few years ago attracted 
great attention and curiosity, is of too recent 
occurrence to require remark from me, as also the 
occupancy of the large houses on Everton-terrace 
and in Waterhouse-lane and Eupert-lane by officers 
and men. As of old, the inhabitants of the present 
day sent up a remonstrance to the authorities at 
the Horse Guards, against soldiers being located 
in the neighbourhood, but with the same want of 
success. A most intolerable nuisance, amongst 
others, entailed upon the inhabitants was the 
beating of what, in military parlance, is called 
" the Daddy Mammy." This dreadful infliction 
upon light sleepers and invalids consisted of half 
a dozen boys at military daybreak (that is, as soon 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 159 

as you can see a white horse a mile off) learning 
to beat the drum. The little wretches used to 
batter away in Mr. Waterhouse's garden and 
Rupert-lane half the day through, until several 
letters appeared in the newspapers on the subject, 
which excited the wrath of the commanding' officer 

o 

of the regiment then stationed there., who vowed 
vengeance on all civilians daring to interfere with, 
or comment on, the rules of the service. 

The B reek-road, and indeed all the roads about 
Everton were, but a few years back, mere 
country lanes, along which little passed except 
the farmers. There was no traffic on them as 
there was no leading thoroughfare to any place in 
the neighbourhood of the least importance. It is 
only within the last ten years that Everton can be 
said to have been at all populous. It was in my 
young days out by Breck-road and Airfield (origin- 
ally called Hangfield), Whitefield-lane, and Bound- 
hill-lane, completely open country. On Breck- 
road or Lane the only house was that at the corner 
of Breckfield-road, called the " Odd House." It 
was then a farm. 

Connected with Whitefield-lane I recollect a good 
story told by a gentleman I knew, of his getting a 
free ride to Liverpool, behind the carriage of a well- 
known eccentric and most benevolent gentleman, 
some thirty years ago. My young friend who was 
then but lately come to Liverpool, had been 



160 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

invited to spend Sunday at Whitefield House, 
which stands at the corner of Whitefield-lane and 
Boundary-lane. At that time there was not a 
house near it for some distance. Boundary-lane 
was a narrow, rutted road, with a hedge and a 
ditch on each side, while the footpath — on one 
side only — was in a most miserable condition. 
There was then adjoining West Derby-road a 
large strawberry garden, which in summer time 
was the resort of pleasure-seekers, and it was the 
only approach to neighbourship along the whole 
length of the lane. 

On leaving Whitefield House the night proved 
so intensely dark that my young friend found him- 
self quite bewildered, and scarcely knew whether 
to turn to the right or the left, being unacquainted 
with the locality. Fortunately turning to the 
right, he stumbled along the miserable road, and 
with the utmost difficulty made his way onward, 
but not without misgivings of being knocked down 
and robbed, as there had been several daring 
attacks made upon people at night in that vicinity. 
He fervently wished himself in Liverpool, but 
shortly arriving at the West Derby-road he began 
to understand his " whereabouts." Having pro- 
ceeded a few yards, a carriage passed him 
driven by a postilion. There was an unoccupied 
dicky behind, which my young friend thought 
it seemed a pity not to appropriate. Quick 



OLD LIVERPOOL 161 

as youth and activity prompted, he climbed upon 
the carriage with the notion of the Dutchman, 
; - that it was better to ride than walk," and found 
his condition materially benefitted by being carried 
through the darkness of the night instead of 
walking. "When the carriage reached the London- 
road my friend thought it was time to alight, as he 
was then near home ; but to his dismay he found, 
that, although it was very easy to get up, it was 
not very easy to get down in safety. On he went 
with the carriage until it arrived at Lime-street 
and began to turn down Roe-street, which was a 
good mile from my friend's lodgings. What was 
to be done ? A bold thought struck him. " Hallo, 
hallo ! Ill get down here !" he cried. Upon this 
the postilion pulled up short, when down came the 
window of the carriage, and an inquiry from it 
took place as to the reason of the stoppage. My 
friend had by this time managed to drop off his 
perch, when he -found the head protruding was 
that of the excellent lessee of the Theatre Royal, 
Mr. Lewis. As he was quite as polite a man 
as the worthy lessee himself, on finding to whom 
he had been indebted for his ride, he made a very 
low bow, with thanks for his most welcome " lift," 
exclaiming with Buckingham, " I will remember 
that your Grace is bountiful." In very sharp 
tones " John" was told to drive on, while my friend 
walked away, quietly laughing in his sleeve at the 



162 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

success of his impudence, but regretting that he 
had not alighted sooner to he nearer home. 

Surprising are the changes that have taken 
place on the West Derby-road of late years. It 
was originally called Kake-lane, and Rocky-lane 
from Richmond-hill. A complete little town has 
sprung up upon its pleasant meadows and bounti- 
ful cornfields. The Zoological Gardens, within a 
very few years, was the uttermost verge of this 
suburb. I recollect very well the opening of those 
once beautiful gardens. They were projected by 
the late Mr. Atkins, a gentleman who was the 
proprietor of the largest travelling-menagerie in 
the country. The place he had selected for his 
undertaking was called " Plumpton's Hollow." 
This was originally a large excavation, whence 
brick-clay which abounds in the neighbourhood 
had been obtained, Mr. Atkins, possessing great 
taste and judgment, was highly favoured and 
much thought of by the late Lord Derby, who 
consulted him on many occasions and honoured 
him with his patronage, benefitting the gardens 
as much as he could, by adding to the collection. 
Mr. Atkins chose this site for his gardens, believing 
it to be far enough out of town for the convenience 
of the public, and healthy enough for the due 
growth of his trees and plants, and the well-being 
of his animals. The Zoological Gardens were," 
under Mr. Atkin's management, very different, by 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 163 

all accounts, from what they are now. I have 
seen on fine summer days, numbers of ladies of 
the highest respectability taking the air in them, 
accompanied by their children, while at nighty the 
attendance was most excellent, being patron- 
ized by the highest families in the town who seemed 
to enjoy the amusements provided with the utmost 
zest and relish. The collection of animals was 
remarkable at that time. Captains of vessels fre- 
quently brought rare and curious animals as pre- 
sents, so that every week some new specimen of 
interest was added. I look back with pleasure to 
the many hours I have spent in the Gardens 
shortly after their being opened. They were 
admirably conducted, and in great repute as a 
zoological collection. Mr. Atkins took his idea of 
forming them from the success of the Gardens then 
lately established in Regent's Park, and at Ken- 
nington, in Surrey. 

A great sensation was once produced, by 
the abduction of a Miss Turner from Miss 
Daulby's School, on the West Derby-road, by Mr. 
E. Gibbon Wakefield. This is the white house 
that stands retired a field distant from the road, on 
the right hand side, about a quarter of a mile 
beyond the Zoological Gardens. 

The abduction took place in March, 1820. It 
caused immense excitement throughout England. 
Miss Turner was the daughter of Mr. Turner, of 



184 OLD LIVERPOOL. 

Shrigley Park, Cheshire. By means of a forged 
letter addressed to Miss Daulby, intimating that 
Miss Turner's mother was dangerously ill, the 
young lady was permitted to leave the school for 
the purpose of going home. In the carriage in 
waiting was Mr. E. Gibbon Wakefield, a widower 
with one child (a perfect stranger to Miss Turner). 
It is believed he had been put up to this dis- 
graceful act of villany by a Miss Davies, with whom 
he was acquainted in Paris, and who was a member 
of a small coterie of friends, meeting for social 
purposes at each other's houses. This Miss Davies 
afterwards became the wife of Mr. E. G. Wake- 
field's father. She was tried with her two step- 
sons for the conspiracy. The object in taking 
Miss Turner away, w r as the large fortune in ex- 
pectancy from her father as his sole child and 
heiress. Miss Turner was taken from Liverpool 
to Manchester, next to Kendal, and on to Car- 
lisle, and thence across the borders and there 
married to Mr. Wakefield ; he having represented 
to her that by marrying him, he could save her 
father from impending ruin. From Scotland, they 
went to London, thence to Calais, where Miss 
Turner was found by her relatives and taken 
away. 

The Wakefields were tried at Lancaster. Ed- 
ward was found guilty of abduction and sentenced 
to transportation He went to Australia in pur- 



OLD LIVERPOOL, 165 

siiance of his sentence, and after some years became 
the Government commissioner. The marriage 
with Miss Turner was not consummated. Miss 
Turner stated that she had received the utmost 
politeness and attention from Mr. Wakefield, and 
had been treated by him with deference and respect 
throughout. Had it not been for Mr. Wakefield's 
forbearance, it was thought that his sentence would 
have been different. Edward Gibbon Wakefield 
was said to have been a natural son of Lord Sand- 
wich. He wrote some exceedingly clever works 
upon colonial matters, and on emigration. 



11 



166 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

In the fields at the top of Brownlow-hill lane, just 
were Clarence and Russell-streets now meet, there 
was once a Powder House, to which vessels used 
to send their gunpowder while in port. This 
Powder House, in the middle of the last century, 
was a source of anxiety to the inhabitants of the 
town; who fully anticipated, at any moment, a 
blow-up, and the destruction of the town. The 
Powder House was afterwards converted into a 
receptacle for French prisoners. My grandfather 
knew the place well. 

It does not require a man to be very old to 
remember the pleasant appearance of Moss Lake 
Fields, with the Moss Lake Brook, or Gutter, as 
it was called, flowing in their midst. The fields 
extended from Myrtle-street to Paddington, and 
from the top of Mount Pleasant or Martindale's- 
liill, to the rise at Edge-hill. The brook ran 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 167 

parallel with the present Grove-street, rising some- 
where about Myrtle-street. In olden times, before 
coal was in general use, Moss Lake Fields were 
used as a " Turbary/' a word derived from the 
French word Tourbiere, a turf field. (From the 
way that the turf is dried we have our term topsy 
tuny, i.e., top side turf way). Sir Edward More, 
in his celebrated rental, gives advice to his son to 
look after " his turbary." The privilege of 
turbary, or '-getting turf," was a valuable one, 
and was conferred frequently on the burgesses of 
towns paying scot and lot. I believe turf, fit for 
burning, has been obtained from Moss Lake Fields 
even recently. Just where Oxford-street is now 
intersected by Grove-street, the brook opened out 
into a large pond, which was divided into two by a 
bridge and road communicating between the 
meadows on each side. The bridge was of stone 
of about four feet, span, and rose above the meadow 
level. The sides of the approach were protected 
by wooden railings, and a low parapet went across 
the bridge.* Over the stone bridge the road was 
carried when connection was opened to Edge-hill 
from Mount Pleasant, and Oxford-street was laid 
out. When the road was planned both sides of it 



* This bridge has lately been a subject of remark, it bavin g- 
been laid bare in making some excavations for houses in Oxford- 
street. But this bridge is not the one alluded to previously 
which was constructed of wood, and was merely a foot-bridge, 
whence two paths diverged to Edge-lane and Smithdown lane. 



■m 



168 EEC0LLECT10NS OF 

■were open fields and pastures. The first Botanic 
Gardens were laid out in this vicinity ; they ex- 
tended to Myrtle-street, the entrance Lodge stood 
nearly on the site of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum. 
In winter the Moss Lake Brook usually over- 
flowed and caused a complete inundation. On 
this being frozen over fine skating was enjoyed for 
a considerable space. The corporation boundary- 
line was at this side of the brook. In summer 
the volunteers sometimes held reviews upon these 
fields, when all the beauty and fashion of the town 
turned out to witness the sight. At this time all 
the land at the top of Edge-hill was an open space 
called the Greenfields, on part of which Edge-hill 
church is built. Mason-street was merely an 
occupation lane. The view from the rising 
ground, at the top of Edge-hill, was very fine, 
overlooking the town and having the river and the 
Cheshire shore in the background. Just where 
Wavertree-lane, as it was called, commences there 
was once a large reservoir, which extended for 
some distance towards the Moss Lake Fields, 
Brownlow-hill Lane being carried over it. 

While we are wandering in this neighbourhood 
there must not be forgotten a word or two about 
Mr. Joseph Williamson (who died about 1841) and 
his excavations at Edge-hill. As I believe there 
is no authentic record of him, or of them, so far 
as I can recollect, a brief description of him and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 169 

his strange works, may not be uninteresting to 
the old who have heard both spoken of, and to the 
present generation who know nothing of their 
extent and his singularity. It certainly does 
appear remarkable, but it is a fact, that many 
people possess a natural taste for prosecuting 
underground works. There is so much of mystery, 
awe, and romance in anything subterranean, that 
we feel a singular pleasure in instituting and 
making discoveries in it, and it is not less strange 
than true that those who once begin making exca- 
vations seem loth to leave off. Mr. Williamson 
appears to have been a true Troglodite, one who 
preferred the Cimmerian darkness of his vaulted 
world, to the broad cheerful light of day. He 
spent the principal part of his time in his vaults 
and excavations, and literally lived in a cellar, for 
his sitting room was little else, being a long vault 
with a window at one end, and his bedroom was a 
cave hollowed out at the back of it. In his cellar 
it was, that he dispensed his hospitalities, in no 
sparing manner, having usually casks of port and 
sherry on tap. and also a cask of London porter. 
Glasses were out of use with him. In mugs and 
jugs were the generous fluids drawn and drank. 
When Williamson made a man welcome that wel- 
come was sincere. Before I say anything about 
the excavations, a few " Recollections " of Joseph 
himself are worthy to be recorded. He was bom 



170 RECOLLECTIONS 0^ 

on the 10th of March, 1769, at Warrington, and 
commenced his career in Liverpool, with Mr. Tate 
the tobacco merchant, in Wolstenholme-square. 
Williamson used to tell his own tale by stating 
that " I came to Liverpool a poor lad to make my 
fortune. My mother was a decent woman, but 
my father was the greatest rip that ever walked on 
two feet. The poor woman took care that all my 
clothes were in good order, and she would not let 
me come to Liverpool unless I lodged with my 
employer. I got on in the world little by little, 
until I became a man of substance, and I married 
Betty Tate, my master's daughter. When the 
wedding day arrived I told her I would meet her 
at the (St. Thomas') church., which I did, and after 
it was all over I mounted the horse which was 
waiting for me, and told Betty to go home and 
that I would come to her after the Hunt. I was 
a member of the then famous * Liverpool Hunt/ 
and when I got to the Meet somebody said, * Why, 
Williamson, how smart you are ! ' — ' Smart, said 
I, aye ! — a man should look smart on his wedding 
day ! ' ' Wedding day/ exclaimed some of the 
fellows, 'Who have you married?' 'I haven't 
married anybody/ said I, 'but the parson has 
married me to old Tate's daughter ! ' ' Why, 
where's your wife? 5 'She's at home, to be sure, 
where all good wives ought to be — getting ready 
her husband's dinner/ I'll tell you what, Betty 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 171 

and 1 lived but a cat and dog life of it, but 1 was 
sorry to part with the old girl when she did go." 
On the day of Mrs. Williamson's funeral, the men 
employed on the works were seen lounging about 
doing nothing. Williamson noticed this, and 
inquired the reason ? They told him that it was 
out of respect for their mistress. " Oh ! stuff, said 
Williamson, you work for the living, not for the 
dead. If you chaps don't turn to directly, I shall 
stop a day's wages on Saturday." 

Mr. Williamson's appearance was remarkable. 
His hat was what might have been truly called " a 
shocking bad one." He generally wore an old and 
very much patched brown coat, corduroy breeches, 
and thick, slovenly shoes ; but his underclothing 
was always of the finest description, and faultless 
in cleanliness and colour. His manners were 
ordinarily rough and uncouth, speaking gruffly, 
bawling loudly, and even rudely when he did not 
take to any one. Yet, strange to say, at a private 
dinner or evening party, Mr. Williamson exhibited 
a gentleness of manner, when he chose, which 
made him a welcome guest. His fine, well-shaped, 
muscular figure fully six feet high, his handsome 
head and face made him, when well-dressed, pre- 
sent a really distinguished appearance. He seemed 
to be possessed of two opposite natures — the rough 
and the smooth. It was said that once, on a Royal 
Duke visiting Liverpool, he received a salute from 



172 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Williamson, and was so struck with its graceful- 
ness that he inquired who he was, and remarked 
that " it was the most courtly bow he had seen 
out of St. James's." Williamson was very fond 
of children. The voice of a little one could at any 
time sooth him when irritable. He used to say 
of them, ' ' Ah, there's no deceit in children. If I 
had had some, I should not have been the arch- 
rogue I am." The industrious poor of Edge-hill 
found in Mr. Williamson a ready friend in time of 
need, and when work was slack many a man has 
come to the pay-place on Saturday, who had done 
nothing all the week but dig a hole and fill it up 
again. Once, on being remonstrated with by a man 
he had thus employed, on the uselessness of the 
work, Williamson said, " You do as you ai^ told — 
you honestly earn the money by the sweat of your 
brow, and the mistress can go to market on 
Saturday night — I don't want you to think." He 
often regaled his work-people with a barrel of 
ale or porter, saying they "worked all the better for 
their throats being wetted." His vast excavations 
when they were in their prime, so to speak, must 
have been proof of the great numbers of men he 
employed. He always said that he never made a 
penny by the sale of the stone. He gave sufficient, 
I believe, to build St. Jude's Church. He used 
vast quantities on his own strange structures. 
A lady of my acquaintance once caught Wil- 



OLD LTVEBPQOL. 173 

liamson intently reading a book. She inquired 
its purport. He evaded the question, hut being 
pressed, told her it was the Bible, and expressed a 
wish that he had read much more of it, and studied 
it, and that he always found something new in it 
every time he opened it. This lady said that the 
touching way, the graceful expression of Mr. Wil- 
liamson's manner, when he said this, took her com- 
pletely by surprise, having been only accustomed 
to his roughness and ruggedness. He added, 
" The Bible tells me what a rascal I am." Mr. 
Stephenson, the great engineer, inspected the 
excavations, and it was with pride Mr. Williamson 
repeated Mr. Stephenson's expressions of high esti- 
mation of his works. Mr. Stephenson said they 
were the most astonishing works he had ever seen 
in their way. When the tunnel to Lime-street 
from Edge-hill was in progress, one day, the exca- 
vators were astonished to find the earth giving way 
under them, and to see men actually under the 
tunnel they were then forming. On encountering 
Mr. Williamson, he told them " he could show them 
how to tunnel if they wanted to learn a lesson in 
that branch of art." It seemed a strange anomaly, 
and quite unaccountable that Mr. Williamson 
should be so chary in allowing any strangers to 
visit his excavations. He seemed to keep them 
for his own gratification, and it was with the 
greatest difficulty permission could be obtained to 



174 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

go through them. He would say to the number- 
less persons who applied, " they were not show- 
shops, nor he a showman." When he did grant 
permission he always gave the obliged parties fully 
and unmistakeably to understand that he was con- 
ferring upon them a great favour. His temper 
was suspicious, I recollect being told of a person 
calling on him, to pay a long over-due rent account 
for another person, when, as Williamson was hand- 
ing over the receipt, and about to take up the 
money he suddenly fixed his keen eye upon his 
visitor, and asked him what trick he was going to 
play him, as it seemed strange that he should pay 
money for another man. " Take your money 
away, sir," said he, " and come again to-morrow ; 
there is something underhand in your proceedings, 
and I'll not be done." For some of his tenants 
he used to execute cheerfully the most costly 
alterations, while for others he would not expend 
a shilling, and would let his premises go to rack, 
rather than put in a nail for them. 

There w T as a house of his once standing at the 
corner of Bolton-street, which he built entirely 
for a whim. It was a great square house, with 
enormously wide and long windows. It was of 
three stories, two upper tiers and a basement. 
There was no kitchen to it, no conveniences of anv 
kind sufficient to render it habitable. From the 
cellar there was a tunnel which ran under Mason- 



OLD LF/ERPOOL 17 5 

street to the vaults opposite. He built it intend- 
ing it for his friend, Mr. C. H , the artist, who 

had one day complained of the bad light he had to 
paint in, and Mr. Williamson told him he would 
remedy that evil if he would wait a bit. Presently 
he commenced the house in Bolton-street, and when 
it was completed the artist was sent for, and told 
that it had been built for him as a studio. Mr. 

H stood aghast on seeing the immense windows , 

and could not make Mr. Williamson understand 
that an artist's light was not wanted in quantity 

but quality. Williamson swore lustily at H 's 

obstinacy, and could not be made to understand 
what was really required. A reverend gentleman, 
still living and highly respected, who happened to 
be passing along the street, was called in to give 
his opinion on the subject by Mr. W. He, how- 
ever, joined issue with Mr. H , but neither 

could make Mr. W. understand the matter. The 
rooms were very lofty and spacious, and if I recol- 
lect rightly each floor consisted of only one 
room. I believe it was never occupied. In High- 
street, Edge-hill, Mr. Williamson also built some 
houses which were skirted by Back Mason-street. 
The houses at the corner of High-street and Back 
Mason-street were built up from a quarry. They 
are as deep in cellarage as they are high, while the 
rooms in them are innumerable. Williamson used 
to call himself " King of Edge-hill," and had great 



176 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

influence over tlie work people residing in the 
neighbourhood. I knew a lady who once had an 
encounter with Williamson wherein she came off 
victorious, and carried successfully her point. The 
affair is curious. This lady, about 1838 or '39, 
wanted a house, and was recommended to go up 
to Edge-hill and endeavour to meet with Mr. Wil- 
liamson and try to get on the right side of him, 
which was considered a difficult thing to do. She 
was told that he had always some large houses to 
let, and if she pleased him he would be a good 

landlord. Mrs. C , accompanied by a lady, 

went up to Edge-hill and looked about as they 
were told to do for a handsome-looking man in a 
shabby suit of clothes. They were told that they 
were sure to find Mr. W. where men were work- 
ing, as he always had some in his employ in one 
way or another in the neighbourhood. On arriving 
at Mason-street, sure enough, they espied the 
object of their search watching the operations of 
some bricklayers busily engaged in erecting the 
very house in Bolton-street just spoken of. Mrs. 

C , who was a sharp, shrewd person, good 

looking and pleasant in her manners, sauntered up 
to Williamson and inquired of him if he knew of 
any houses to be let at Edge-hill. " Houses ! " 
replied Williamson in his roughest and rudest 
style : " What should I know of houses, a poor 
working man like me ! " " Well," said the lady, " I 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 177 

thought you might have known of some to let, 
and you need not he so saucy and ill-tempered." 
Williamson roughly rejoined, and the lady replied, 
and thus they got to a complete wordy contest 
attacting the attention of the bystanders, who were 
highly amused to find that Williamson had met his 
match. The lady's sarcasms and gibes seemed to 
make Williamson doubly crusty. He at length 
asked the other lady — who, by the way, was be- 
coming nervous and half-frightened at what was 
going on — " what this woman,'*' pointing to Mrs. 

C , " would give for a house if she could meet 

with one to her mind." Mrs. C — — told him £30 
per annum. Williamson burst out with an insult- 
ing laugh, and called all the men clown from the 
house they were erecting, and when they had 
clustered round him he told them that " this, 
woman wanted a house with ten rooms in it for 
£30 a year ! -Did they ever know of such an un- 
reasonable request? " Of course the men agreed 
with their employer, and they were all dismissed 
after being regaled with a mug of porter each. 

Mrs. C ■ narrowly watched Williamson and saw 

through him at once, and was not surprised on 
being invited to step into a house close by and see 
how she liked it. She found fault with some por- 
tions of the house and approved others. William- 
son at length, after a short silence, inquired 
whether she really did want a house and would 



178 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

live in Mason-street. Mrs. C replied that she 

did really require one and liked the street very 
much. Williamson then asked her if she was 
in a hurry. On being told she was not, he 
bade her return that day fortnight at the same 
hour and he would try then to show her a house 
he thought would suit her exactly. With this the 
ladies departed, Williamson saying : — " There 
now, you be off; you come when I tell you ; you'll 
find me a regular old screw ; and if you don't pay 
your rent the clay it is due I shall law you for it — 

so be off.'' Mrs. C then said, " My husband 

is a cockney, and I will bring him with me, and 
w r e will see if we can't turn the screw the right 
way." The ladies had no sooner arrived at the 
end of Mason-street, when on turning to take a last 
look of their singular friend they saw the men 
from the house in Bolton-street all following 
Williamson into the house they had just left, and 
as it eventually proved he had set them there and 
then to work to make the alterations she had sug- 
gested and desired. 

On the termination of the fortnight the ladies 
called on their remarkable friend, and found him 
in waiting at the house with two great jugs of 
sherry and some biscuits on a table. He then 
took them over the house, and to their surprise 
found everything in it altered : two rooms had been 
opened into one, one room made into two, two 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 179 

had been made into three, and so on, and he 

asked Mrs. C if she was satisfied and if the £ 

house would suit her ? He appeared to have com- 
pletely gutted the house and reconstructed it. 
Putting it down at an unusually low rent, for what 
had been done, the bargain was struck between the 
parties, and the landlord and his tenant were ever 
after good friends. He told the lady he liked her 
for sticking up to him " so manfully " and " giving 
him as good as he sent." Mr. Williamson took 
great delight in this lady's children and made great 
pets of them. On her family increasing the lady 
and her husband frequently asked Williamson to 
build her an extra room for a nursery, reminding 
him that as he was always building something, he 
might as well build them an extra room as any- 
thing else. He, however, declined until one day 
the lady sent him a manifesto from the '-Queen 
of Edge-hill," as he had been accustomed to call her, 
commanding him to build the room she wanted. 
Williamson, thereupon, wrote her a reply in the 
same strain, promising to attend to her commands. 
A few mornings after his reply had been received 
the lady was busy in her bedroom dressing her 
baby, when she suddenly heard a loud knocking in 
the house adjoining, and down fell the wall, and 
amid the falling of bricks and the rising of dust 
Mr. Williamson himself appeared, accompanied by 
two joiners, who fitted a door into the opening, 



180 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

while two bricklayers quickly plastered up the 
walls. Through the door next stepped the land- 
lord. " There, madam, what do you think of this 
room for a nursery," he exclaimed, " it is big 
enough if you had twenty children." Mr. Wil- 
liamson had actually appropriated the drawing- 
room in his own house to her use. She thanked 
him, but said he might have given her some 
warning of what he was going to do, instead oJ 
covering her and the baby with dust, but William- 
son laughed heartily at his joke, while the lad) 
was glad to get a noble room added to her house 
without extra rent. This lady told me that one 
night just previous to this event they had heard 
a most extraordinary rumbling noise in Mr. Wil- 
liamson's house which continued for a long time 
and it appeared to proceed from one of the lowei 
rooms. On inquiring next day of Mr. Williamsor 
what was the cause of the disturbance he took the 
lady into a large dining-room, where she found 
about fifty newly-painted blue barrows with red 
wheels all ranged along the room in rows. These 
had been constructed for the use of his labourers 
and were there stored away until wanted. 

My acquaintance told me that one night thej 
heard in the vaults below their house the most 
frightful shrieks and screams, and the strangest oi 
noises, but they never could ascertain what was 
the cause of the commotion. The noises seemed 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 181 

to proceed from directly below their feet, and yet 
they fancied they came from some distance. The 
cries were not those of a person in agony, hut a 
strange mixture of most unaccountable sounds. 

A good story is told of a quaint speech made to 
Williamson by the Rev. Dr. Baffles. The Doctor 
and the Rev. Mr. Hull, who were neighbours, and, 
T fancy, tenants of Williamson's, were once met 
by him walking together, when W. exclaimed 
" I say, if I'd my way you two should be made 
bishops." Dr. Raffles very quickly replied, "Ah, 
Williamson, you ought to be an archbishop!" 
alluding to his well-known predilection for vault 
building. He once invited a party of gentlemen 
to dine with him. The guests were shown into a 
bare room with a deal table on tressels in the 
middle, with common forms on each side. Wil- 
liamson, with the utmost gravity, bade his friends 
take their seats, placing himself at the head of 
the table. Facing each of the guests was a plate 
of porridge and some hard biscuits of which they 
were invited to partake. Some of the party taking 
this as an insulting joke, rose and left the room. 
Williamson, with the utmost grace, bowed them 
out without explanation. When the seceders had 
retired, a pair of folding doors were thrown open, 
exhibiting a large room with a costly feast pre- 
pared, to which the remainder of the party 

adjourned, laughing heartily over the trick that 
12 



182 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

had been played and the agreeable surprise in 
store for them. Another good story is told of Mr. 
Williamson. He possessed some property at Car- 
lisle which gave him a vote at the elections. Sir 
James Graham's committee sent him a circular, 
as from Sir James, soliciting his vote and interest. 
On receipt of this letter Williamson flew into a 
violent passion, went down to Dale- street there 
and then, took a place in the North Mail, proceeded 
to Carlisle, obtained one of Sir James Graham's 
placards from the walls, and posted back to Liver- 
pool without delay. On his arrival at home he 
enclosed the obnoxious circular and placard in a 
parcel which he addressed with a most abusive 
letter to Sir James Graham, in which he charged 
him with such a string of political crimes as must 
have astonished the knight of Netherby, winding 
up the abuse by asking how he dared to solicit an 
honest man for his vote and by what right he had 
taken so unwarrantable a liberty. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 1$3 



CHAPTER X. 

In the last chapter of my " Recollections " I 
spoke of the man — Joseph Williamson ; the pre- 
sent will be of his " excavations/' In various parts 
of the world we find, on and under the surface, 
divers works of human hands that excite the won- 
der of the ignorant, the notice of the intelligent, 
and the speculation of the learned. Things are 
presented to our view, in a variety of forms, which 
must have been the result of great labour and 
cost, and which appear utterly useless and inappli- 
cable to any ostensibly known purpose. Respecting 
many of these mysterious records of a past age, 
page after page has been written to prove, and 
even disprove, the supposed intent of their con- 
structors ; and it cannot but be admitted that after 
perusing many an erudite disquisition, we are 
sometimes as well-informed, and as near arriving 
at a conclusion, as to the original purpose for 



184 KE COLLECTIONS OF 

which the object under discussion was intended, 
as when our attention w T as first engaged in it. In 
some instances, those who have discovered uses 
for the strange remnants of, to us, a dark age, 
have exceeded in ingenuity the projectors of those 
relics. 

Could we draw aside the thick veil that hides 
the future from us, we might perhaps behold our 
great seaport swelling into a metropolis, in size 
and importance, its suburbs creeping out to an 
undreamt of distance from its centre ; or we might, 
reversing the picture, behold Liverpool by some 
untbought-of calamity — some fatal, unforeseen 
mischance, some concatenation of calamities — 
dwindled down to its former insignificance : its 
docks shipless, its warehouses in ruins, its streets 
grass-grown, and in its decay like some bye-gone 
cities of the east, that once sent out their vessels 
laden with " cloth of blue, and red barbaric gold." 
Under which of these two fates will Liverpool find 
its lot some centuries hence? — which of these two. 
pictures will it then present ? Be it one or the 
other, the strange undertakings of Joseph Wil- 
liamson will perhaps, some centuries from now, be 
brought again to light, and excite as much marvel 
and inquiry as any mysterious building of old, the 
purpose of which we do not understand, and the 
use of which we cannot now account for. They 
will be seemingly as meaningless as any lonely 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 185 

cairn, isolated broken piece of wall, or solitary 
fragment of a building, of which no principal part 
remains, and which puzzles us to account for at the 
present time. 

Mr. Williamson's property at Edge-hill, was 
principally held under the Waste Lands Commis- 
sion. His leases expired in 1858. It commenced 
adjoining Miss Mason's house, near Paddington, 
and extended to Grinfield-street. It was bounded 
on the west by Smithdown-lane, along which ran 
a massive stone wall of singular appearance, more 
like that of a fortress than a mere enclosure. 
Within this area were some of the most extraordi- 
nary works, involving as great an outlay of money 
as may be found anywhere upon the face of the 
earth, considering the space of ground they occupy. 
In their newly-wrought state, about the year 1835 
and '36, or thereabouts, they created intense won- 
der in the minds of the very few who were per- 
mitted to examine them. During the last few 
years, I believe they have been gradually filled up 
and very much altered, but they are still there to 
be laid open some day. Few of us know much of 
them, rhough so few years have elapsed since they 
were projected and carried out, since the sounds of 
the blast, the pick, and the shovel were last heard 
in their vicinity. Now what will be said of these 
minings, subterranean galleries, vaults and arches, 
should they suddenly be discovered a century 



186 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

hence, when their originator as well as their origin 
shall have faded away into nothing like the vanish- 
ing point of the painter ? Here we behold an 
astonishing instance of the application of vast 
labour without use, immense expense incurred 
without hope of return, and, if we except the 
asserted reason of the late projector that these 
Avorks were carried on for the sole purpose of 
employing men in times of great need and depres- 
sion, w r e have here stupendous works without 
perceptible motive, reason, or form. Like the 
catacombs at Paris, Williamson's vaults might have 
been made receptacles for the dried bones of legions 
of our forefathers. Again, they might have been 
converted into fitting places for the hiding of stolen 
goods, or where the illicit distiller might carry on 
his trade with impunity. 

, I hardly know in what tense to speak of these 
excavations, not being aware in what state they 
are at present. A strange place it is, or was. 
Vaulted passages cut out of the solid rock ; arches 
thrown up by craftmen's hands, beautiful in 
proportion and elegant in form, but supporting 
nothing. Tunnels formed here — deep pits there. 
Yawning gulfs, where the fetid, stagnant waters 
threw up their baneful odours. Here the work is 
finished off, as if the mason had laboured with con- 
summate skill to complete his work, so that all 
the world might see and admire, although no 



OLD LIVERPOOL 187 

human eyes, save those of the master's, would ever 
be set upon it. Here lies the ponderous stone as 
it fell after the upheaving blast had dislodged it 
from its bed ; and there, vaulted over, is a gulf 
that makes the brain dizzy, and strikes us with 
terror as we look down into it. Now we see an 
arch, fit to bridge a mountain torrent ; and in 
another step or two we meet another, only fit to 
3pan a simple brook. Tiers of passages are met 
with, as dangerous to enter as they are strange to 
look at. It must ever be a matter of regret that 
after Mr. Williamson's death, some one able to 
make an accurate survey of the property did not 
go through and describe it, because it has been 
greatly changed since then by the accumulations 
of rubbish that have been brought to every part of 
it. All the most elaborate portions of the excava- 
tions have been entirely closed up. In one section 
of the ground (that near Grinfield-street), where 
there was of late years a joiner's shop, the ground 
was completely undermined in galleries and pas- 
sages, one over the other, constituting a subter- 
ranean labyrinth of the most intricate design. 
Near here also was a deep gulf, in the wall sides 
of which were two houses completely excavated 
out of the solid rock, each having four rooms of 
tolerable dimensions. 

This chasm is now quilt.* rilled up. The terrace 
extending from Grinfield-street to Miss Mason's 



188 



RECOLLECTIONS OF 



house is threaded with passages, vaults, and exca- 
vations. At the northern corner there is a tunnel 
eight feet high, and as many wide, which runs up 
from what was once an orchard and garden, to a 
house in Mason-street. The tunnel is, I should 
think, 60 yards long. As the ground rises up the 
hill, there are several flights of stone steps with 
level resting places. About two-thirds up, where 
the first flight is encountered, may be seen a por- 
tion of a large vault which runs a short way 
southwardly. A small portion of the top of the 
arch, between it and the steps, is left open, but for 
what reason I never could make. out. The further 
end of this vault opens into another great vault, 
which I shall presently describe. The passage is 
very dry, but the air has a cold " gravey" taint, 
very unpleasant to iuhale. At the second landing 
there is a sort of recess, into which rubbish from 
the garden above is shot down through a spout or 
funnel. At the top of the passage is a doorway 
opening upon the back of a house in Mason-street. 
This passage or tunnel was evidently intended 
for a mode of communication between the house 
and the orchard. In the garden or orchard, and, 
near the tunnel mouth, were four lofty recesses, 
like alcoves, three of which were four feet deep. In 
one of those recesses, which was carried much 
further back than the others, the stones were lying 
as they fell, and there was a channel on one side 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 189 

of the flooring which seemed to have been intended 
for a drain. Through a large folding gate access is 
obtained from Smithdown-lane into a wide passage 
or vault, in shape like a seaman's speaking trumpet. 
It is broad enough to accommodate two carts at 
least, and has been used when the stone has been 
carted away from the delph at its eastern end. 
This vault is constructed of brick. It gradually 
deepens at the eastern end, and is about 15 feet 
wide, and 26 high. At the opening it is not more 
than 15 high. The top outside is covered by soil, 
and forms part of the garden previously mentioned. 
At the left hand side of the tunnel end will be 
found a vault, running northward for about fifty or 
sixty feet. The end of this vault is the limit of 
Mr. Williamson's property. The tunnel already 
described as running up to Mason-street crosses 
the top of this vault. This vault is about thirty- 
six feet wide and perhaps thirty feet high, but the 
floor has been considerably raised since Mr. Wil- 
liamson's time by debris and rubbish of all sorts 
thrown into it. In the right hand corner of the 
vault, about ten feet from the ground, there is the 
mouth of a tunnel which runs up first towards 
Mason-street, it then turns and winds in a variety 
of ways in passages continuing under the houses 
in Mason-street, and opening upon many of the 
vaults. To the left of the entrance vault, there is 
a large square area from which immense masses 



190 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

of red sandstone have been quarried. It is forty 
feet from side to side. There is a vault in the 
southern wall opposite the wall just described. It 
runs towards Grinfi eld -street, and is composed of 
two large arches side by side, surmounted by two 
smaller ones. In the eastern face of the quarry 
there is an immense arch perhaps sixty feet high ; 
and about thirty feet from its entrance there is 
an immense and massive stone pier from which 
spring two arches on each side, one above the 
other, but not from the same level. The pier 
is hollowed on the inside by three arches. On the 
left hand wall inside the arch there are two large 
arches, from which vaults run northwardly, and 
on the right hand side of the wall there are also 
two vaults which extend to a great distance in a 
southwardly direction, towards Grinfi eld-street. 
From these vaults, other vaults branch off in all 
sorts of directions. The houses in Mason-street all 
rest upon these arches ; and as you passed along 
the street, the depth of some of them at one time 
w T as visible through the grids. The construction 
of these arches is of the most solid description, 
and seem stable as the earth itself. There are 
some openings of vaults commenced at the end near 
Grinfi eld-street, but discontinued. These arches 
seem to have given way and presented a curiously 
ruined aspect. In the lov/er range of vaults there 
was a run of water and what Williamson called " a 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 191 

quagmire." In several places there are deep wells, 
whence the houses in Mason-street seem to be sup- 
plied with water. Sections of arches commenced, 
but left unfinished, were visible at one time in 
various places. The lowest range of arches opening 
from the Grinfield-street end run to the northward. 
From the roof of many of these vaults were 
stalactites, but of no great length. The terraced 
gardens are ranged on arches all solidly built. 
The houses in Mason-street are strange construc- 
tions. In one house I saw there was no win- 
dow in one good-sized room, light being obtained 
through a funnel carried up to the roof of the 
house through an upper floor and room. This 
strange arrangement arose from Mr. Williamson 
having no plan of the house he was building for 
the men to work by, consequently it was found 
the windows had been forgotten. He never had, 
I believe, any drawings or plans of either his 
houses or excavations. The men were told to 
work on till he ordered them to stop. In another 
house I went through there was an immense room 
which appeared as if two stories had been made 
into one. The bed-room — I believe there was 
only one in the house— was gained by an open 
staircase, run up by the side of the west wall of 
the large room. After passing the room door you 
mounted another flight of stairs which terminated 
in a long lobby, which ran over the top of the 



192 "RECOLLECTIONS OF 

adjoining house, to two attics. The gardens of 
this house were approached by going down several 
stone steps (all was solid with Mr. Williamson) 
past the kitchen, wiiich was also arched, and 
thence down another flight of stone steps until 
you came to a lofty vaulted passage of great 
breadth. You then entered a dry, wide arch. 
From this another arch opened in a northwardly 
direction. At the end of the principal vault was 
a long, narrow, vaulted passage, which was lighted 
by a long iron grating which proved to be a walk 
in a garden belonging to two houses at a dis- 
tance. This passage then shot off at right angles, 
and at length a garden was gained on a terrace, 
the parapet wall of which overlooked the large 
opening or quarry previously described; and a 
fearful depth it appeared. 

Some of the backs of the Mason-street houses 
project, some recede, some have no windows 
visible, others have windows of such length and 
breadth as must have thrown any feeble-minded 
tax-gatherer when he had to receive window duty 
into fits. These houses really appear as if built 
by chance, or by a blind man who has felt his 
way and been satisfied with the security of his 
dwelling rather than its appearance. The in- 
teriors of these houses, however, were very com- 
modious, when I saw them years ago. They were 
strangely arranged, with very large rooms and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 193 

very small ones, and long passages oddly running 
about. 

I recollect once going over a house in High- 
street which Williamson erected. The coal vault 
I went into would have held at least two hundred 
tons of coals. In all these vaults and places the 
rats swarmed in droves, and of a most remarkable 
size. I once saw one perfectly white. Wherever 
Williamson possessed property there did his 
" vaulting ambition " exhibit itself. 

Such is a brief account of Williamson and his 
works. A book might be filled with his sayings 
and doings. Amid all his roughness he was a 
kind and considerate man, and did a great deal 
of good in his own strange way. His effects were 
sold by Trotter and Hodgkins on the 7th June, 
1841, and one of the lots, No. 142, consisted of a 
view of Williamson's vaults and a small landscape. 
I wonder what has become of the former. Lot 
171 was a " cavern scene " which showed the bent 
of the man's taste. 



j 



194 RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER XI. 

The conversion of the huge stone quarry at the 
Mount into a cemetery was a very good idea. This 
immense excavation was becoming a matter of 
anxiety with the authorities, as to what should be 
done with so large an area of so peculiar a nature. 
To fill it up with rubbish seemed an impossibility, 
while the constant and increasing demand for 
stone added to the difficulties of the situation. 
The establishment of a cemetery at Kensal Green 
in Middlesex, suggested the conversion of this 
quarry to a similar purpose. A feeling in the 
minds of people that the dead should not be 
interred amidst the living, began to prevail — a 
feeling that has since grown so strong as to be 
fully recognised in the extensive cemeteries now 
formed at the outskirts of this and all large towns. 
Duke-street used to be called " The road to the 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 195 

Quarry," and was almost solely used by the carts 
bringing stone into the town. Eighty years ago, 
there were only a few houses at the top of this 
street, having gardens at the back. There was a 
ropery which extended from the corner of the pre- 
sent Berry-street (called after Captain Berry, who 
built the first house in it), to the roperies which 
occupied the site of the present Arcades. All 
above this was fields, with a few houses only in 
W< h >d-street, Fleet-street, Wolstenholme-square, 
and Hanover-street. This latter street contained 
some very handsome mansions, having large gar- 
dens connected with them. 

Rodney-street was laid out by a German named 
Schlink, who, being desirous to perpetuate his 
name, called his new thoroughfare Schlink-street. 
Several houses were erected in it. but the idea of 
living in " Schlink"-street — the word <; Schlink " 
being associated with bad meat — deterred per- 
sons from furthering the German's specula- 
tion. In deference to this notion, the name of 
the then popular hero, Si Rodney," was given to 
the street ; and it has continued to be occupied 
by families of the highest respectability, and 
especially of late years by the medical profession. 

I recollect a rather curious circumstance, con- 
nected with one of the best houses in this street, 
which caused some amusement at the time amongst 
those who were acquainted with the particulars 



196 KECOLLECTIONS OF 

and the parties. It was a complete instance 
of " turning the tables." About thirty years, 
or more, ago, a gentleman lived in Rodney- 
street, whose commercial relations required him 
to be frequently in the metropolis. He found his 
presence there was likely to be continuous, and 
determined to give up his house in Liverpool and 
reside permanently in London. He, therefore, 
took steps to let his house (which he held under 
lease at one hundred and five pounds per annum) 
by advertising it, and putting a bill in the window 
to that effect. To his surprise he received a notice 
from his landlord informing him that by the 
tenure of his lease, to which he was referred, he 
would find that he could not sub-let. Finding this 
to be the case, he went to the owner of the pro- 
perty, and expressed a desire to be released from 
his occupancy on fair terms, offering to find a sub- 
stantial tenant and pay half a year's rent. The 
landlord, knowing he had a good tenant, rejected 
this offer in a way somewhat approaching to rude- 
ness. Finding himself tied to the stake, as it 
were, the gentleman inquired under what terms he 
could be released ? The answer was, that nothing 
short of twelve months rent and a tenant, would 
suffice to obtain a release. Without making a reply 
to this proposal, the gentleman went his way. 
A few mornings after this interview, the owner of 
the house, in passing, saw a man painting the 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 197 

chequers* on the door cheeks., and on looking up 

found that " was licensed to sell 

beer by retail, to be drunk on the premises." 
Astonished at this proceeding, he ordered the 
painter to stop his work, but the painter told him 
he was paid for the job, and do it he would. On 
being told who it was that spoke to him his reply 
was that he did not care, and that he might go 
to a place "where beer is not sold by retail nor 
on the premises," for aught he cared. Furious at 
this insolence, the angry landlord sent word to his 
tenant that he wanted to see him, at the same 
time giving him notice of what he would do if he 
persisted in appropriating the house to the pur- 



* By tiie way, checkers on ale-house doors originated, I have 
been told, in a curious circumstance. They are the arms of the 
De Warrennes, who, at one time, had a right to grant a license to 
all tapsters for a certain fee. The De Warrennes arms on all 
house-doors indicated that the house was duly licensed. This 
grant was given to the De Warrennes by King John who is said 
to have bestowed it in recompense for breakiug the head of one 
of the family during a game of " check " in which the King was 
conquered. He, in vexation, struck De Warrenne with the 
board. Touching these said " checkers," I once heard a good 
story told of a Scotch lady resident in this town. Checkers in 
Scotland are called " dam-boards." The lady wanting to pur- 
chase some table-cloth with a "check pattern," went into a 
draper's shop and asktd to be shown a few. The assistant 
brought out several sorts, but none of them were large enough in 
the pattern; the lady, at length, told the young man that she 
wanted some of a " dam-board pattern." Not understanding the 
lady, but supposing she meant a d — n broad pattern, he meekly 
replied that they had none so broad as that! 
13 



198 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

pose intimated. The only answer returned was, 
that the tenant would "be at u the beer-shop " at 
ten in the morning, where he would meet his land- 
lord. At ten, accordingly, the old gentleman went 
to his tenant, and on meeting him asked him what 
was the meaning of his proceedings. " "Why," 
replied the tenant, " I find by my lease that it is 
true I cannot sub-let, and as you will not accept 
what I consider fair terms of release, I intend, for 
the remainder of my term, to keep the place open 
as a beer-shop. I have taken out a license, bought 
furniture for the purpose, and here comes the first 
load of forms and tables (at that moment, sure 
enough, up came a cart heavily laden with all 
sorts of beer-house requisites). I intend to make 
the drawing-room a dancing saloon, and the garden 
a skittle alley. I have engaged an old warehouse- 
man to manage the business for me, and if we 
don't do a roaring business, I hope to make enough 
to pay your rent, and become free from loss." The 
intense anger of the landlord may be imagined, 
and he left the house uttering threats of the 
utmost vengeance of the law ; but on an interview 
with his attorney he found there was no redress — 
a beer-shop was "not in the bond." He, there- 
fore, went again to his refractory tenant, for it 
was clear that if the house was once opened as a 
beer-shop, the adjoining property would be 
deteriorated. He was smilingly greeted, and his 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 199 

tenant regretted that lie had not tapped his ale, or 
he would have offered hirn a glass. " Come, 

^j r . ^ said the landlord, " let us see if we 

cannot arrange this matter. I am now willing to 
accept your offer of half a year's rent, and a 
tenant." " No," said Mr. — — , " I cannot think 
of such terms now." " Well, then, suppose you 
give me a quarter's rent, and find me the tenant." 
" No !" " Then the rent without the tenant." 
■" No t" " Then a tenant without the rent." " No ; 
but I will tell you what 111 agree to, my good sir 
— you see, I have been put to some expense. I 
made you a fair, and, as I think, a liberal offer, 
which you would not accept. Now, if you will 
reimburse me all the expense I have been put to, 
and pay £10 to the town charities, I will abandon 
my beer-house scheme, undertake to give up the 
key, and close the account between us." With these 
terms the landlord eventually complied, thus having 
" the tables fairly turned " upon him. 

Cock-fighting was at one time a favourite sport 
in Liverpool, amongst the lower orders, and, indeed, 
amongst all other classes too. In a street leading- 
out of Pownall-square (so called after Mr. William 
Pownall, whose death was accelerated during his 
mayoralty in 1768, in consequence of a severe cold, 
caught in suppressing a serious riot of the Irish 
which occurred in the night-time in a place near 
the Salthouse Dock, called the Devil's acre), there 



200 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

was a famous cock-pit. The street is now called 
Cockspur-street. Where the cock-pit stood there is 
a small dissenting chapel, and the entrance to it 
may be found up a court. This cock-pit was the 
resort of all the low ruffians of the neighbourhood. 
In consequence of the disturbances which continu- 
ally took place, it was suppressed as the neigh- 
bourhood increased in population. It is rather 
singular that in more than one instance cock-pits 
have been converted into places of public worship. 
The cock-pit at Aintree, for instance, was so con- 
verted ; and the first sermon preached in it was by 
the Eev. Dr. Hume, who skilfully alluded to the 
scenes that had been enacted in it, without in the 
least offensively describing them. That sermon 
w r as a remarkable one, and made a great impres- 
sion on the congregation assembled there for 
the first time. The late Lord Derby was an 
enthusiastic cock-fighter, and kept a complete set 
of trainers and attendants. When I was a boy, it 
was thought nothing of to attend a cock-fight, and, 
such was the passion for this cruel sport, that 
many lads used to keep cocks for the purpose. 

It is a curious thing to watch the changes that 
have taken place from time to time in different 
neighbourhoods as to the character of the inhabi- 
tants. Where at one time we may have found 
the aristocracy of the town assembling, we have 
noticed its respectability gradually fading away, and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 20l 

those who inhabited large mansions removing else- 
where. For instance, Rose-hill, Cazneau-street 
(called after Mr. Caznean; at one time a pretty 
street indeed, with gardens in front of all the 
houses), and Beau-street, were fashionable subur- 
ban localities. St. Anne-street abounded in hand- 
some mansions and was considered the court-end 
of the town. The courtly tide then set southward, 
Abercroniby-square and its neighbourhood sprung 
up, and so surged outward to Aigburth one way and 
to West Derby another. Everton I have already 
spoken of. I remember the houses in Faulkner- 
terrace remaining for years unfinished, and it was 
at one time called " Faulkner's Folly," from the 
notion that no one would ever think of living so 
far out of the town. Mr. Faulkner, however, 
proved himself to be more long-sighted than those 
who ridiculed his undertaking. 

I remember the present Hay market a field with 
a rivulet flowing through the midst of it, and the 
whole of this neighbourhood fields and gardens. 
In Cazneau-street there was an archery lodge, a 
portion of which is still standing. 

I remember, too, the erection of Richmond Fair, 
in 1787. It was projected by a Mr. Dobb, who 
dwelt in a bay-windowed house still standing in 
St. Anne-street. He intended it for a Cloth Hall 
for the Irish factors to sell their linens in, which 
they brought in great quantities at that time to 



90.2 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

Liverpool. The Linen Hall at Chester gave him 
the idea of this undertaking. It took very well at 
first, but in consequence of complaints being made 
by the shopkeepers in the town that the dealers in 
linen, instead of selling wholesale were carrying on 
an extensive retail trade and injuring their busi- 
ness, the authorities stopped all further traffic in 
it, and, after remaining some years unoccupied, it 
has of late been converted into small tenements. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 20$ 



CHAPTER XII. 

Thirty years ago Great Charlotte-street, at the 
Ranelagh-street end, was a narrow, poorly-built 
thoroughfare. On the left hand side, looking south, 
between Elliot-street and the present coach-build- 
ers' establishment, there was a timber-yard, in 
which stood a small wooden theatre, known as 
"Holloway's Sans Pare il," and truly it was Sans 
Pared, for surely there was nothing like it, either 
in this town or anywhere else. Both inside and 
outside it was dirty and dingy. There were only a 
pit and gallery, the latter taking the place of boxes 
in other theatres ; and, yet the scenery was excel. 
lent, the actors, many of them, very clever, and 
the getting up of the pieces as good as could be 
in so small a place. The pantomimes at Christmas 
were capital. The charges of admission were : to 
the pit 3d., and to the gallery, Cd. The audiences, 
whether men or women, boys or girls, were the 



204 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

roughest of the rough. The quantity of copper 
coin taken at the doors was prodigious ; and I 
am told that it occupied two persons several 
hours, daily, to put the money up into the usual 
five-shilling packages. Mr. Hollo way used to stand 
at one door and his wife at the other, to receive 
the admission money. When the audience was 
assembled, the former would go into the pit and 
there pack the people, so that no space should he 
lost. He would stuff a boy into one, or a little girl 
into another seat, and leave them to settle down 
into their proper places ; giving one a buffet and 
another a knock on the head, just to encourage the 
others to keep order and be obedient to his will 
and wish. There was no space lost in the pit of 
Hollow r ay's theatre, whatever there might be any- 
where else. A thriving business was carried on 
in this little bit of a theatre, and if the highest 
class of performances w r as not produced, nothing 
at any time offensive to order and morality was 
permitted. 

I remember a good joke in which a gentlemen 
whom I knew, connected with one of our news- 
papers, and a leading actress at the Theatre Koyal, 
were concerned, in connection with a visit to the 
Sans Pareil. The lady w r as very desirous to see 
a piece which was got up with great eclat at the 
Sans Pareil, and which was attracting crowds of 
people to see it. I think it was entitled " Maria 



OLD LIVERPOOL 205 

Martin ; or, the Murder at the Red Barn." Hav- 
ing expressed her wish to my friend, he at once 
offered to escort her any evening on which she was 
disengaged. Fixing, therefore, a night when her 
sendees in Williamson-square were not required, 
my friend and the fair comedienne "betook them- 
selves to Great Charlotte-street and presented 
themselves at the gallery door where the gentle- 
man tendered the price of their admission. Now 
the lady had a thick veil on that she might, as she 
hoped, conceal her well-known features. But it 
seems that Mr. Holloway had at once recognised 
his fair visitor. On the money being tendered to 
Mrs. Holloway at the gallery door, Mr. H. called 
out from his door, " Pass 'em in — all right, 
missus." Now my friend w r as well aware that Mr. 
Holloway knew him, and therefore supposed that 
as a press man he would not allow him to pay — 
not supposing- for a minute that the muffled up 
figure of his companion had been recognised. 

So in they went and managed to climb up the 
half ladder, half stair, that led to the " aristo- 
cratic' 5 region of the auditory part of the theatre. 
These stairs were frightfully dirty and steep. A 
broom had not been near them for months, and 
the lady, picking up her ample skirts, endeavoured 
to avoid all contact with both stairs and walls. On 
emerging from the top landing into the theatre, 
they found the place in a state of semi-darkness. 



206 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

They could just make out a few rows of benches. 
and clustering in the middle front were about 
thirty people. The noise was horrible, and seemed 
more so through the prevailing darkness. Shout- 
ings, bawlings, whistlings, and screamings were in 
full swing, and the lady paused for a moment, 
whispering to her companion, " Oh, let's go back 
—I can't stand this at any price." 

My friend, however, urged his companion to 
remain, and at length they managed to scramble 
forward, and secure a front seat at one side. The 
clamour was now added to, by the entrance of the 
band, who mingled the sounds of tuning instru- 
ments with the other discords prevalent. Just at 
this juncture in came Mr. Holloway, who com- 
menced the packing process, much to the amuse- 
ment of our lady friend, who now began, in spite 
of the heat, the offensive smells, and the row, to 
become curious, and determined to see all that was 
to be seen. Presently the lights were fully turned 
on, and the orchestra struck up a lively medley 
tune, suitable to the taste of the audience. The 
orchestra, though small, was a good one, and some 
very clever performers were amongst its members 
The play at length commenced, and appeared to 
create great interest and command attention. The 
lady admitted that the characters were well repre- 
sented, and the drama very creditably got up. At 
length came a very sensational portion of the play. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 207 

That part where, Maria Martin is enticed into the 
Ked Barn by Carder. In this exciting scene. 
Maria, as if having a presentiment of her fate, 
stands still and refuses to move. She appears 
In a state of stupor and Corder endeavours to 
urge her to accompany him. Now there were 
seated in the middle of the pit two sweeps, who 
appeared deeply interested in the performance, and 
finding that Corder, could not induce Maria to go 
forward, one of them, amidst the silence that the 
cunning of the scene had commanded, screamed 
out — "Why don't you give her some snuff, and 
make her sneeze ! ? ' The silence thus broken was 
broken indeed, and the house roared with laughter. 
Our two friends were not backward in partaking of 
the merriment. The lady went almost into 
hysterics, so violent were her paroxysms of mirth. 
In the midst of the clamour, Holloway, hearing 
these loud bursts of laughter at a time when there 
should be complete silence, rushed on to the 
stage, fancying something had gone wrong. 
Darting to the footlights, as well as his little fat 
figure would let him, he roared out, " What's all 
this here row about?" and glancing round to see on 
whom he could heap his vengeance, he caught 
sight of our two friends, and looking up indig- 
nantly at them, he continued — " I von't have no 
row in my the-a-ter. If you vants to kick up a 
row you'd better go the The-a-ter R'yal." The 



•208 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

audience seeing Mr. Holloway addressing the gal- 
lery, all eyes were now turned up to where our 
friends were seated, and the lady, (who had thrown 
up her veil in consequence of the intense heat) being 
recognised, was saluted by some one shouting out 

" Three cheers for Mrs. ," whereupon the 

audience began hurrahing, in the midst of which our 
two adventurers made off as quickly as they could. 
They declared that neither of them could tell how 
they did so, being conscious of nothing until they 
found themselves breathing the fresh air in Lime- 
street. 

When Stephen Price, the American manager, 
w r as in Liverpool beating up recruits, in, I think, 
1831, Templeton, the tenor singer, was playing at 
the Theatre Royal. At that time Madame Malibran 
had made Templeton famous, by selecting him to 
enact the part of Elvino to her Amina, and thus 
a very second-rate singer suddenly jumped into 
the first place in public opinion, by his association 
with the gifted woman who enchanted all her 
hearers. Templeton waited on Price relative to 
an engagement in America, when the following 
conversation took place : — " I should like to go to 
America, Mr. Price, if you and I could agree about 
terms.' 5 " Very good, Mr. Templeton. What 
would you expect, Mr. Templeton ?" " Well, I 
should just expect my passage out and home, and 
■thirty ' punds' a week, Mr. Price, to begin with." 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 209 

•' Very good, Mr. Templet on.*' " And all my 
travelling expenses, from toun to toun." " Very 
good, Mr. Templeton. Anything else, Mr. Tem- 
pleton ?" " My board and lodging in every toun, 
Mr. Price"' "Very good, Mr. Templeton. Any- 
thing else, Mr. Templeton?" "And a clear 
benefit in every toun, also, Mr. Price." " Very 
good. Anything else. Mr. Templeton ?" " Well 
— no — I — ah — no ! — nothing occurs to rae just 
now, Mr. Price.'' i: Well, then," said Mr. Price, 
" I'll see you d — d first, Mr. Templeton." 

There was a very good story current in Liver- 
pool, some twenty-five years ago, about Mr. W. J. 
Hammond, a then great favourite, both as actor 
and manager, and an acquaintance of mine. About 
that time a very flashy gentleman went into the 
Adelphi Hotel, and after making minute inquiry 
as to the bill of fare, and what he could have for 
dinner, at length ordered " a mutton chop to be 
ready for him at five o'clock." Five o'clock came, 
and also the traveller, who sat down in the coffee 
room to his banquet. He helped himself to the 
water at his own table and then emptied the bottles 
at the next, and at length called on the waiter for 
a further supply. When the mutton chop was 
duly finished, the waiter inquired what wine his 
" lordship" would take. (: Oh !— ah !— wine ! Ill 
take — another bottle of — « water.' " " Pray, sir," 
said the waiter (leaning the tips of his thumbs upon 



^10 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

the table) with a most insinuating manner — " Pray, 
sir, would you like the Bootle or the Harrington 
water ?" Hammond heard this, and agreed, with 
the friend referred to, to enter the Hotel, one at 
each door, and severally call out, one for a glass of 
i{ Harrington," and the other for a glass of 
"Bootle" water. "Waiter, some Bootle water!" 
came from a voice at the Copperas-hill door. 
"Waiter, some Harrington water!" was the order 
proceeding from the traveller entering by the front 
door. These strange orders, breaking upon the 
stillness that pervades this well-conducted hotel, 
seemed to excite great surprise in one or two 
aristocratic guests, who were standing in the 
lobby, when just at the moment Mr. Badley came 
out of one of the rooms and recognised the jokers. 
Taking them into his sanctum, he provided them 
with something stronger than the stream from 
the good old red sandstone. After a short time 
Mr. E. was called out, and the two guests began 
to get impatient at his non-return. Hammond 
declared that he must go — so did his friend ; but 
they both thought it would seem unmannerly to 
leave the hotel without seeing their entertainer. 
Which should remain ? However, Hammond 
soon cut the matter short by bolting out of the 
room and locking the door. His friend sat 
patiently enough for some little time, fully expect- 
ing Mr. Kadley's return, but, while waiting, fell 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 211 

asleep. When he awoke he found himself in 
darkness, wondering where he could possibly he. 
After groping about some time he discovered that 
the door was locked. The trick Hammond had 
played him then flashed across his mind. Hunt- 
ing about, he at length found the bell which soon 
brought some one to the door, and on its being 
opened a rather severe questioning took place, as to 
how the visitor got there and what was his object. 
Mr. Radley having in the meantime gone home, he 
could not be referred to. It was only after send- 
ing for some person who knew the gentleman that 
he was released, and certainly not without some 
suspicions attaching to his visit and his peculiar 
position. 

I recollect a good anecdote of a favourite actor 
in Liverpool some twenty years ago, when he was 
engaged at the Theatre Royal as one of the stock 

company. Mr. S was a constant church-goer, 

as many actors and actresses are, although those 
who do not know them fancy they cannot be either 
good or religious — a great mistake. Mr. S 



was accommodated by a friend, who had a very 

handsomely fitted up pew in St. A "s Church, 

with the use of it, and Mr. S occupied it so 

long that he quite considered it to be his own ; and 
it was a standing joke amongst his intimates that 
on all occasions '■ my pew !; was referred to. Being 
out one night rather late, with some ''jolly com- 



212 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

panions," he and they found, on comparing time- 
pieces, that if they were not quick in getting home 
unpleasant consequences would ensue amongst their 
domestic relations. Said one, " I must be off." 
Said another, " If I don't make haste I shall he 

locked out." " My hoy," said S , " never 

mind being locked out. I'll go and get the key of 

St. A 's church, and you shall sleep in my 

pew ! " 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 213 



CHAPTER XIII. 

On turning over my " Recollections " of our 
theatre, there was one circumstance connected with 
the drama in Liverpool that I shall not forget. It 
made a great impression on my mind, as it did no 
doubt upon all those who. at the time, interested 
themselves in the success of the movement. I 
allude to the brilliant demonstration that took 
place in December. 1816, when an amateur per- 
formance was got up in aid of the distress expe- 
rienced in Liverpool, a distress felt in common 
with the whole nation. All the leading theatrical 
and musical amateurs in the town took part in that 
performance. I dare say that, at this distance of 
time even, it is well remembered by those who 
assisted at it, if there be any of them still amongst 
us. I am quite certain that the patriotic feelings 
which urged them to unite and give their valuable 

services at so trying a time must still and ever be 
14 



214 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

a source of gratification to them of the highest 
order. 

At the date I refer to, great commercial distress 
prevailed Amongst the working and lower classes 
the most frightful indigence and destitution were 
experienced. 

After the battle of Waterloo all sorts of property 
depreciated in value. Everything previously was 
at a " war price." The amount of taxation which 
the country had to endure may be judged when 
I state that for a house rented at forty pounds per 
annum the following were the taxes levied upon 
its occupier: — Window tax, £11 4s. 6d.; inhabited 
house duty, £2 18s. 6d. ; land tax, £1 16s. ; high- 
way and church rates, £2 13s. 9d. ; poor rates, 
£18 ; making a total to be paid of £36 12s. 9d. ! 
The failure of the harvest that year added also to 
the general distress so that the nation might have 
been said to have been on the very eve of bank- 
ruptcy. So bad was the flour in 1846, and so 
scanty was the supply, that everybody seemed 
occupied in hunting up and inventing new modes 
of preparing it for consumption, as well as appro- 
priating unheard of articles as food. I recollect 
even " saw-dust" was attempted to be converted 
into bread, while horse-beans were cooked in all 
sorts of ways to be made palatable, ' and were 
also ground down to a sort of fiour as a substitute 
for wheat. The newspapers teemed with cautions 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 215 

to the public to use the utmost economy, while 
recipes without end appeared as to how had flour 
could he best used and made wholesome. It will 
scarcely he credited that even a public notice ema- 
nated from the Town Hall on this subject, signed 
by Mr. Statham, the Town Clerk. I have by me 
a copy of it, which, as it may interest some of my 
readers, I will give entire. It is headed — 

JOHN WRIGHT, MAYOR. 



MAKING OF BEE AD. 



NOTICE TO HOUSEKEEPERS, 

AND DEALERS IN FLOUR. 



Complaints having been made against some of the Flour 
Dealers in this town for having sold Flour unfit for the 
making of Bread, the Mayor thinks proper to acquaint the 
Public that, upon an investigation of such complaints, it 
appeared that in many instances blame was not imputable 
to the Flour Dealer,- but to the Purchaser of the Flour in 
not having taken proper precautions in the Making of the 
Bread, which, owing to the state of the Flour this season, 
it was necessary to have taken, and which had been 
pointed out to the party by the Flour Dealer. 

From the above circumstance, the Mayor has been 
induced to recommend to all Dealers in Flour upon the 
Sale of any Flour which, although not unsound, may ren- 
der proper precautions necessary in the use of the same, 
to apprise their several customers thereof ; and the Mayor 
has been further induced to recommend to all House- 
keepers the adoption of the following system in the 
Making of Bread : — 



916 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

To boil the water and let it stand till of a proper heat, 
to knead the Flour well, using as little water as possible, 
and let it stand a sufficient time to rise : to use fresh 
Water Barm, and bake the Bread on the oven bottom, in 
small loaves of not more than 21b. to 31b. weight ; to use, 
as much as possible. Cakes or Hard Bread, and not to use 
the Bread new. 

By Order of the Mayor, 

STATHAM, Town Clerk. 

22 Nov, 1816. 

Iii London the distress was so great that the 
people there were full of a rebellious element ; at 
a meeting in Spitalfields, whereat the celebrated, 
or, if the term he more appropriate, " notorious," 
Henry Hunt was present, and addressed a 
numerous assembly, frightful disorders took place. 
Meetings of large bodies of the people were held 
in ail the leading cities and towns throughout the 
kingdom to petition the Prince Eegent and parlia- 
ment to do something effectual to stay the tide of 
calainity that seemed to be setting steadily in to 
overwhelm the nation. 

The petition from Liverpool was most numer- 
ously and respectably signed ; and I recollect that 
so determined were the memorialists to ascertain 
whether their petition had been properly presented 
that a correspondence took place on the subject 
and was made public, between his worship the 
mayor, Sir W. Barton, and General Gascoigne, 
one of our members, relative to its having reached 
its destination. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 217 

The price of wheat in the month of December, 
181G, was 21s. per 701bs. 3 while the quartern loaf 
of 41b. 5oz. cost Is. 6fd. The penny loaf only 
weighed 3oz. 1J dr. 

To the credit of the working classes in Liver- 
pool, the utmost patience and forbearance was 
exhibited under intense sufferings. I recollect 
well the energy exhibited by the gentry of the town 
in their endeavours to raise funds for the general 
relief. The Dock Trustees employed numbers of 
people at 2s. a day. A large loan was raised to 
enable them to give unlimited employment. The 
leading firms in the town were subscribers to this 
loan, which was headed by the Norwich Union 
Life and Fire Office with £] 000. In the churches 
and chapels charity sermons were constantly 
preached, and the clergy of all denominations 
urged their flocks to give anything at all, and not 
to withhold even their mites. 

Gentlemen formed themselves into parties to 
canvass subscriptions for the poor from house to 
house, while the ladies left no stone unturned to 
further the cause of charity. It was a most re- 
markable epoch in the history of this country, 
and certainly in Liverpool the time was as trying 
as could possibly be conceived. Merchants and 
tradesmen w r ere daily failing. Great houses, 
apparently able to stand any amount of pressure, 
gave way, and many of the provincial banks sue- 



218 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

eurnbed, adding to the horrors of the time. 
Amongst other schemes afloat to relieve distress 
in Liverpool was the benefit got up at the Theatre 
Koyal, to which I have referred. The prices of 
admission were doubled on the occasion. The 
box tickets were 9s., the upper boxes, 8s., the pit, 
6s., and the gallery, 2s. ; and the proceeds realised 
no less a sum than £610 ! The performances 
were the " Poor Gentleman, 5 ' " A Concert," by 
musical amateurs, and the burlesque of " Bom- 
bastes Furioso." The characters were personated 
for the most part in each of the pieces by ama- 
teurs, amongst whom were several of the leading 
gentlemen of the town, who spared no pains, 
study, nor cost to render their exertions success- 
ful. 

There may be still left amongst us some of 
those who took part in the glory of that memorable 
evening of Saturday, December 7, 1816. At this 
distant time, they may still indulge in a feeling of 
pride at their successful endeavours to further a 
good cause, and they will not, I am sure, be 
offended at an old man recording the amount of 
talent they exhibited, nor the zeal they manifested 
in fully carrying out the plan proposed for the 
public amusement and the welfare of the poor. I 
recollect there was an admirably written prologue, 
by Dr. Shepherd, which was as admirably delivered 
by Mr. J. H. Parr, in the character of Stephen 



OLD LIVEKPOOL. 219 

Harrowby, a character which he personated in the 
play with all the finish of an experienced actor, 
his exertions drawing forth frequent and loud 
applause. Dr. Ollapod was personated by Dr. 
Carter, who excited roars of laughter. 

I recollect the names of Messrs. Aldridge, 
Bartleman, Cooper. Greaves, Halewood, Hime, 
Jackson (a distinguished violoncello player, by 
the way), Langhorne, Maybrick, Tayleure (a dis- 
tinguished double bass), and Vaughan. In 
" Bombastes Furioso," King Artaxomines was per- 
sonated by Mr. Bichmond ; Fasbos by Mr. Clay ; 
General Bombastes by Mr. J. H. Parr, who elicited 
shouts of laughter by his drollery and admirable 
acting. Miss Grant, of the Theatre Koyal Com- 
pany, played Distaffina. The house was crowded 
in every part, the whole town seemed to take an 
interest in the matter, and every nerve was 
strained to command success. In fact so well 
did those who had undertaken the disposal of 
tickets succeed, that numbers of persons could 
not gain admission although possessing tickets. 
while hundreds who in vain crowded round the 
doors were unable to obtain entrance " for love or 
money/' A more cordial display of goodwill was 
never known in this town, nor was there ever a 
more enthusiastic, elegant, or better pleased 
audience assembled within the walls of the Theatre 
Royal than on that occasion. 



220 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

At this time there was considerable ferment in 
the public mincl, relative to, and consequent upon, 
the escape of Lord Cochrane from the King's 
Bench prison, and when the gallant and noble lord 
was re-captured and re-committed with a fine of 
£100 inflicted upon him, the men ^of Liverpool 
were early astir in the noble sailor's behalf— a 
subscription box was opened instantly the matter 
became known in Liverpool, and it was resolved 
that not more than a "penny" should be given by 
each person towards the fine, and each subscriber 
should, on payment of his money, sign his name 
and address. A shop at the corner of John-street 
and Dale-street, was one place appointed for the 
reception of pence and names, while another was 
in Mersey-street opposite the end of Liver-street. 
Crowds of persons were assembled round these 
places who loudly and admiringly canvassed the 
noble lord's conduct. He was quite the hero of 
his day, and in no place had his lordship more 
enthusiastic admirers than in Liverpool amongst 
the liberal party. By the people generally, he was 
quite idolized. In a very short time 2500 pence 
and names were obtained, and had 25,000 been 
wanted, I am sui^ they would have been as readily 
subscribed. As it may be interesting to some of 
my readers to know how the £100 fine was paid, 
I can give them some particulars thereupon, £85 
was paid in bank notes, £5 r in silver, and £10 in 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 221 

copper. It was said in a joke, that if the whole 
amount had been tendered in brass it would have 
been readily accepted, so glad were authorities to 
get rid of so troublesome a customer. 



22£ RECOLLECTIONS OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 

On Sunday morning, February 11, 1810, I was 
standing in St. Nicholas churchyard, in company 
with two old friends. We were waiting the arrival 
of the congregation, and the commencement of the 
morning service. The second hells were chiming. 
We had been looking on the river with that 
interest which is always felt in gazing upon such 
a scene. Our conversation had turned upon the 
benefits which a good sound Christian education 
must confer upon the lower classes of society. 
Education at the period to which I refer was then 
beginning to take hold of the public mind, as an 
essential to the well-doing of the people. This 
subject in later years, as is known, has become 
an absorbing question. Our remarks had been 
evoked by the neat appearance of the children of 
the Moorfields Schools, who had just passed near 
where we stood, as they entered the church. One 



OLD LIVERPOOL 223 

of us remarked in reference to the Tower close 
by, that it was the dower of the Lady Blanche, 
the daughter of John O'Gaunt, who, although 
occupying so eminently marked a place in history, 
was a man so narrow-minded that he would not 
allow any of his vassals to receive the least educa- 
tion as he held that it unfitted them for the 
duties of their station, and gave them ideas far 
above their lot in life. A curious speculation 
was hazarded by one of my friends that as Water- 
street was anciently called " Bank-street," whether 
the word "Bank'"' ought not to have been 
" Blanche"-street ; a name given to it in honour 
of the lady to whom the principal building in the 
street belonged, when, just as he had finished 
speaking, we heard, as if above us, a smart crack. 
On looking round to ascertain the cause, a sight 
burst upon our view, that none who witnessed it 
could ever forget. The instant we turned, w r e 
beheld the church tower give way, on the south- 
west side, and immediately afterwards the spire 
fell with a frightful and appalling crash into the 
body of the building. The spire seemed at first 
to topple over, and then it dropped perpendicularly 
like a pack of cards into a solid heap, burying 
everything, as may be supposed, below it. There 
were many persons in the churchyard, waiting to 
enter the sacred edifice, and, like ourselves, were 
struck dumb with horror and dismay at the fright- 



224 EECOLLECTIONS OF 

ful catastrophe. We were soon aroused to a state 
of consciousness, and inaction gave way to exer- 
tion. In a very sliort time, the noise of the crash 
had brought hundreds of persons into the church- 
yard to ascertain the cause. Amidst the rising 
dust were heard the dreadful screams of the poor 
children who had become involved in the ruins ; 
and not long after, their screams were added to 
by the frantic exclamations of parents and friends, 
who, in an incredibly short time had hurried 
to the scene of the disaster. Crowds of people 
rushed into the churchyard, some hurrying to and 
fro, scarcely knowing what to fear or what to do. 
That the children were to be exhumed was an 
immediate thought, and as immediately carried 
into execution. Men of all ranks were seen, 
quite regardless of their Sunday clothes, busily 
employed in removing the ruins — gentlemen, 
merchants, tradesmen, shopmen and apprentices, 
willingly aiding the sturdy labourers in their good 
work, and, in a short time, first one little sufferer, 
and then another, was dragged out from the mass 
of stone and brick and timber that lay in a 
confused heap. Twenty-eight little ones were at 
length brought out, of whom twenty-three were 
dead ; five were alive, and were taken to the 
Infirmary, but of these, only three survived. 
They were horribly maimed, and so disfigured 
that they were scarcely recognizable. These 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 925' 

twenty-eight poor little bodies were at first laid in 
rows in the churchyard to he claimed by their 
parents and friends, many of whom were to be seen 
running to and fro looking distracted with the 
great calamity that had befallen them. Of all the 
pitiable sights I ever beheld, the sight of these 
little things laid on the grass was the most 
piteous ; and, as. one by one they were claimed 
and taken away — in some instances parents 
claiming two, and in one instance, three children — 
the utmost sympathy was felt for those who had 
been so suddenly bereft. 

It was most fortunate that the accident did 
not occur half an hour — nay, a quarter of an 
hour — later, or the calamity might have been 
such as w^ould have marked the clay as one 
of the darkest in our annals — a frightful spot 
in our calendar. Beside the children, there 
were only about twenty people seated in the 
church, far from the scene of the disaster, and 
they, on the first indication of danger, had fled 
and sought safety outside the building. How 
the bell-ringers escaped, it is impossible to tell, 
but escape they did, and that unhurt, with 
the exception of one, who rushed back to get his 
clothes and was killed. It was to their intense 
stupidity and obstinacy that this catastrophe may 
be ascribed. Previous to the accident, they had 
been told that the tower was unsafe, and on that 



226 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

very morning, they were advised not to ring the 
bells again, until an examination of the building 
had taken place ; but ring they would, and ring they 
did, and the result of their ringing was a death- 
knell unmatched in local history. 

Nor were the authorities altogether free from 
blame. It was said that they were apprised of the 
insecurity of the tower, and yet did not take steps 
to avoid the accident. The escapes of people on 
their way to church were wonderful, and many 
traced their good fortune, to f being tardy in 
getting ready, or from leaving home at an un- 
usually late moment. The scene of the disaster 
was for a long time an attraction to people residing 
miles from Liverpool, and the country around 
sent thousands to gaze on the unusual sight pre- 
sented to their view. 

In the same year the sad calamity I have just 
recorded took place, the Theatre Eoyal was the 
scene of a frightful disturbance, which ended in 
the trial at Lancaster, of several highly respectable 
men, for being partakers in it. I have a distinct 
recollection of this affair, and a more disgraceful 
one to all parties concerned in it, cannot be 
imagined. These riots were termed the H. P. 
riots. 

In the September of the preceding year there 
had been considerable agitation in the theatrical 
world of London, and dreadful riots had taken 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 227 

place as to the old prices, and tine question was 
whether new and advanced prices should be 
charged for admission to the theatres. A number 
of individuals, as many as forty, were tried for the 
offence of rioting at Covent Garden, when, to the 
surprise of everyone, the whole of the party were 
found " Not guilty." 

There is no doubt that this strange verdict in 
reference to most outrageous and unjustifiable 
conduct had put it into the heads of many people 
in Liverpool that similar conduct might be 
indulged in, with like impunity, respecting the 
Theatre Eoyal. There had been frequent attempts 
made to induce the lessees of the theatre, Messrs. 
Lewis and Knight, to permit a half-price to be 
taken. The plea for the request was that numbers 
of persons who would like occasionally to visit 
a theatre were debarred doing so from the fact, 
that their hours of employment were so late that 
they could not get away in time to attend when 
the performances commenced, and they thought it 
a hard case that they should be obliged to pay a 
full price for only half the quantity of amusement. 
The lessees pleaded their expenses were just the 
same, whether the people came at full price or 
half-price, and since the Theatre Royal had 
been established no such arrangement had been 
attempted, and as it would not pay them to 
concede a half-price they declined to do so. They 



228 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

said their undertaking in the theatre was a private 
speculation for a public purpose, and they had no 
right to be compelled to do, what no other trades- 
men would be expected to do, that is, prosecute 
their business at a loss. The play-goers, however, 
seemed determined to carry things with a high 
hand, and endeavour to force Messrs. Lewis and 
Knight to come to their terms. The season was 
announced to commence on the 11th of May, 
1810, when there appeared, a few days previously, 
on the walls of the town the following placard : — 

THE THEATRE OPENS 
ON MONDAY NEXT, 11TH MAY. 



THE MANAGERS 

Have been requested to permit admission at 

HALF-PRICE, 

As in London, &c. (and elsewhere), but they still 
persist in the injustice of demanding full prices, 
from those who have it not in their power to attend 
until a very late hour, when a good and material 
part of the performance is over. We have even a 
greater right to the indulgence than the London 

audiences — 

let us 
boldly c laim it 

AND 



WE MUST SUCCEED 



! I 



This placard was followed by others. An 
abusive letter also made its appearance, as well as 



OLD LIVEKPOOL. 229 

& pamphlet equally offensive, in which the lessees 
were held up to scorn, ridicule, and opprobrium. 
In fact, every step was taken to excite the 
(play-going) public mind on the subject of " half- 
price or full-price." 

When the opening night arrived, crowds of 
people assembled outside the theatre, and the rush 
to get in, when the doors opened, was immense. 
Numbers of places had been previously taken in 
the boxes, by persons who were seen to be most 
actively engaged in the riots in the theatre 
afterwards. No sooner had the curtain rose to 
the play of " Pizarro " than the rqw began — 
shoutings, bawlings, whistlings, hornblo wings, 
turnings of rattles, flappings of clappers, and 
£very noise that could be made by the human 
voice was indulged in, and the uproar seemed to 
increase as the night went on — such a scene of 
confusion can hardly be conceived, and amidst the 
turbulence that reigned placards were exhibited 
demanding "half-price." In vain the managers 
attempted to obtain a hearing — in vain favourite 
actors came forward, hoping to be heard — the 
play proceeded, but all in " inexplicable dumb 
show and noise." These riots were repeated on 
the nights of the 14th and 16th, when it was 
found necessary to close the theatre. Each night 
the same riotous behaviour was exhibited. In 
fact, to such an extent had it arrived that the 



230 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

Mayor was at length sent for, and read the 
lUot Act. The mob outside threw brick-bats? 
stones, and all sorts of missiles at the windows., 
which they completely smashed, breaking away 
even the woodwork of the frames. The people 
outside kept bawling " Half-price !" and when any 
of the known adherents of the full price attempted 
to get out of the theatre they were driven back 
and insulted, while those in favour of " Half- 
price" were cheered and applauded most vocifer- 
ously. At length, it was determined by the 
magistrates that the strong arm of the law should 
be stretched out, and in consequence, six persons 
who had been most active in the disturbances 
were arrested, and brought to trial at the autumn 
assizes at Lancaster, for conspiracy and riot. 
These delinquents were all gentlemen of position 
in the town, and, as may be supposed, the case 
excited the utmost attention and interest. The 
rase was tried on the 14th September. Sir 
Robert Graham was the judge. I remember 
Serjeant Cockle was for the prosecution, assisted 
by Messrs. Park, Topping, Holroyd, and Clark, 
nearly all of whom, by the way, I think, have 
since obtained seats on the judicial bench. The 
council for the defence were Messrs. Eaine, 
Scarlett (afterwards Sir James Scarlett), Ram- 
rod;, and Richardson. Sergeant Cockle, in 
opening the case highly lauded Messrs. Lewis and 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 231 

Banks as actors, men, and citizens, and pointed 
out to the jury how monstrous the conduct of 
the prisoners had been, in attempting to force an 
unprofitable movement upon any one. I recollect 
he made use of this remarkable expression, " that 
every person resorting to a theatre had a right to 
express his dissatisfaction against any thing he 
sees either of the plays performed or the actors, 
and that he must do this honestly : but if he 
conspire with others to damn any play or condemn 
any actor, punishment should follow such con- 
spiracy.*' 

At the trial Mr. Statham, the Town Clerk, 
gave also evidence for the prosecution. After 
the court had been occupied some time, and 
many witnesses had been examined, an attempt 
was made on the part of the judge to effect a 
compromise, His Lordship remarking that he 
thought the ends of justice had been served in 
the public exposure and annoyance which the 
defendants had been put to, and that as the temper 
of the people had subsided, and even a better 
understanding existed between the public and 
the lessees than before, he thought it was of no 
use to carry the case any farther. The council 
for the prosecution, however, would not consent to 
this ; at the same time they assured the judge and 
the court, that the prosecution was not carried 
on by the lessees, but by the magistrates of the 



332 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

borough, who were determined to put a stop, by all 
means in their power, to a recurrence of such 
disgraceful proceedings, and attempts on the part 
of an unthinking public to force gentlemen to do 
what they did not consider right or equitable. 
The verdict returned was " guilty of riot, but not 
of conspiracy." 



OLD LIVERPOOL. £33 



CHAPTEE XV. 

I have never been much of a play-goer, but 
have occasionally visited the theatres when 
remarkable performers have appeared. I recollect 
many of the leading actors and actresses of the 
close of the last century, while all the great ones 
of this I have seen from time to time. Joe 
Munden, Incledon, Braham, Faweett, Michael 
Kelly, Mrs. Crouch, Mrs. Siddons. Madame 
Catalani Booth, and Cooke, and all the bright 
stars who have been ennobled — Miss Farren (Lady 
Derby), Miss Bolton (Lady Thurlow), Miss 
Stephens (Countess of Essex), Miss Love (Lady 
Harboro), Miss Foote (Marchioness Harrington), 
Miss Mellon (Duchess St. Albairs), Miss O'Neil 
(Lady Beecher) — but I must say the old and the 
new style of acting, appear to be very different. 
Mrs. Siddons exhibited the highest perfection 



234 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

of acting. I cannot conceive anything that can go 
beyond it in dramatic art. 

I was present when. John Kemble hade fare- 
well to the Liverpool audiences. It took place in 
the summer of 1813. The play was " Coriolanus." 
The house was crowded to excess, and the utmost 
enthusiasm was exhibited in favour of the great 
tragedian ; who, although not a townsman, was at 
any rate a county man, he having been born at 
Preseot. 

Mr. Kemble, when addressing the audience on 
that occasion, made a very remarkable declaration. 
He said that " it was on the Liverpool stage he 
first adapted the play of " Coriolanus," and 
produced it, as they had just seen it performed, 
and that it was the earnest encouragement he then 
received that proved a great stimulus to him in 
after life."' 

A statement of the sums of money received at 
benefits amongst the " old stagers " may perhaps 
interest some of my readers. I am going back a 
long way, but I do so that those who know or 
who guess at, the receipts of the " moderns " may 
compare them with those of the " ancients." In 
1795 Mrs. Maddocks, a most delightful actress, and 
an immense favourite in Liverpool, drew £213; 
Mrs. Powell, £207; Mr Banks, £183; Mr. 
Whitfield, £135. Mr. Kelly, the Irish singer, and 
Mrs. Crouch, a most charming and fascinating 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 260 

woman, with a lovely voice, realised together £180 : 
Mr. Hollinsworth, £124 : and Mr. Ward £119. In 

modern days the Clarke s (the manager and his 
wife) have received as much as £300 at their 
benefits. One of the best speculations Mr. Lewis 
ever made was the engagement of Paganini, 
shortly after his first appearance in the metro- 
polis, in, I think, 1829 or 1830. This wonderful 
genius had taken the musical world of London 
by storm, and struck terror and despair into the 
hearts of the violinists of his day ; one and all of 
whom declaring, as a friend of mine said of his own 
playing — although eminent in his profession — 
<; that they were only fiddlers." Paganini's play- 
ing was most unearthly and inhuman. I never 
heard anything like the tones he produced from 
his violin — the sounds now crashing as if a 
demoniac was tearing and straining at the strings, 
now melting away with the softest and tenderest 
harmonies. He kept his hearers enthralled by 
his magical music, and astonished by his wonderful 
execution. I shall never forget hearing him play 
the "Walpurgis Nacht," when he appeared at the 
Amphitheatre in 1835 or 1836. It was painting 
a picture by means of sounds. His descriptive 
powers were wonderful. Anybody with the least 
touch of imagination could bring before "his mind's 
eye " the infernal revel that the artist was depicting* 
The enchantments of the witches were visible. 



236 RECOLLECTIONS Ob 1 

You could hear their diabolical songs, you could 
fancy their mad and wild dances; while, when 
the cock crew (imitated by the way in a most 
astonishing manner), you would feel that there 
was a rushing of bodies through the air, which 
were scattering in all directions. Then the lovely 
melody succeeding — descriptive of the calm dawn of 
summer morning — came soothingly on the senses 
after the strain of excitement that the mind had 
experienced. In that delicious melody you could 
fancy you saw the rosy colours of the breaking day, 
and gradually the rising of the sun, giving light 
and beauty to the world. That performance was 
the most wonderful I ever listened to, and I feel 
confident no one but those who did hear this 
strange man can ever entertain any notion of his 
style or performance. His first engagement in 
Liverpool was at the Theatre Royal, and a 
characteristic anecdote is related of the Signer in 
this transaction. At the Amphitheatre, Signor 
De Begnis, the great harp player — the husband 
of the fascinating Ronzi de Begnis, and who ran 
away with Lady Bishop (he was the ugliest man 
for a Cavaliero I ever saw, being deeply pitted with 
the small pox) — had been giving some concerts 
which were exceedingly unsuccessful. The people 
engaged got no money, De Begnis having com- 
pletely failed in the speculation. The news of 
this having reached London, Paganini heard of it, 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 237 

and when Mr. Lewis proposed to engage him, he 
jumped at the conclusion that this was the same 
as De Begnis's speculation and that there could be 
only one theatre in Liverpool. He accordingly 
declined to come to Liverpool, unless the money 
to be paid to him was first lodged at his bankers 
(Messrs. Coutts) in London. Mr. Lewis saw 
through the Signor's error at once, and immediately 
remitted £1000 to ratify the engagement for ten 
nights. Paganini played his ten nights and drew 
on each of them from £280 to £300, so that great 
as the risk was, the speculation was a most 
advantageous one to the lessee. When Paganini 
came to the Amphitheatre in 1835 or '36 (I think) 
with Watson as his manager, and Miss Watson as 
his Cantatrice, he did not draw as on his first 
appearance, although the houses were very good. 
I recollect talking to Mr. Watson on the stage* 
between the 'parts, when the gods, growing 
impatient, whistled loudly for a re-commencement 
of the performance, Paganini, who happened to be 
near us, seemed rather surprised at the noise, 
and turning to Watson he inquired quest que cest 
ces tamgeurs ces siffleurs? and on being told, he 
grinned horribly, and said in a low voice — Bah! betes! 
I once was told, by one of the actors employed 
at the Theatre Royal, a curious anecdote of a 
remarkable and distinguished lady. I don't 
recollect the year it happened, but I think it 



238 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

must have been about 1829. In that year a 
carriage drove up to the Theatre Koyal, containing 
two ladies, attended by a man-servant in green 
and gold livery. The servant went into the theatre, 
to inquire if Mr. Clarke, the stage-manager, was in. 
On being answered in the affirmative, the stoutest 
of the two ladies — for the other lady was quite 
young — stepped out of the carriage, and without 
ceremony walked through the lobby straight upon 
the stage, to the utter surprise of the hall-keeper 
who, like a masonic tyler, allows no one to pass 
without a word or sign of recognition that they are of 
the privileged. The man followed the lady, who, 
stepping to the footlights, gazed around on that 
most desolate of all desolate, dreary, dingy places, 
the inside of a theatre by daylight. On her still 
handsome countenance alternated emotions of pride, 
regretful feeling, as well as of deep interest. After 
looking across the pit for a few moments, she 
turned to the hail-porter and requested him to 
announce to Mr. Clarke that a lady wished to see 
him for a few minutes. The man quickly returned, 
requesting the lady to follow him, but she, passing 
him, made her way to the treasury with the air and 
mien of one who well knew the way to that place of 
torture when a " ghost does not walk." The lady 
accosted Mr. Clarke with a winning air, and seeing 
that she was not recognised, said, " So you don't 
recollect me?" " No, indeed, I do not. : ' "Well, 



OLD LIVERPOOL 239 

that is strange, considering the money you have 
paid me. Why," she continued, " do you not 
recollect who played Little Pickle at Swansea and 
Bristol in 18 — ?" "Bless me!" exclaimed Mr. 
Clarke. " Ah ! I see you know me now," said the 
lady laughing. " And many a week's salary I have 
had there," continued the buxom visitor, pointing 
to the pay-place, ;i and now just let me have 
something paid to me to remind me of old times." 
Whereupon she w r ent to the pay-place, when the 
gallant stage-manager put down a week's salary as 
of old, which the lady took up, returning it however, 
and placing at the same time, in Mr. Clarke's 
hand, a note for £20, which she desired him to 
distribute amongst the most needy of the company. 
The lady was the Duchess of St. Alban's. When 
Miss Mellon, she had been engaged at the Theatre 
Boyal, and the first benefit she had was in Liverpool. 
I knew a gentleman w*ho exerted himself greatly 
on her behalf on that occasion, and the success of it 
was mainly attributable to his efforts. This she 
always gratefully acknowledged, and I recollect his 
telling me that once, being in London, this admir- 
able and kind-hearted lady — who so worthily used 
the wealth at her command, after she was ennobled — 
recognised him while passing down Pall Mall and 
beckoned him to the side of her magnificent equipage, 
and there recalled the old time to his recollection 
acknowledging the old obligation, assuring him 



240 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

that if she could in any way serve him she would 
be delighted to do so. 

The Theatre Royal, about forty odd years ago was 
under the lesseeship of Messrs. Lewis and Banks. 
Mr. Banks was extremely fond of a good and 
well-dressed dish; he had a person as cook who 
had been with him some years, and w T ho suited 
his taste in his most choice dishes. The two 
had a serious quarrel, which ended in cooky 
giving her master notice of leaving his service. 
Mr. Banks took this somewhat to heart, as he 
thought if he parted with his cook — and such a 
cook as she was — he might not.be able to replace 
her. To put it out of her power to give him 
notice again, he offered her marriage, and was 
accepted. Mrs. Banks sometimes used to visit 
the theatre, and generally took her seat at the 
wing by the prompter's table, where she could 
see tolerably well what was going forward on 
the stage. On one occasion the tragedy of 
"Venice Preserved " was being performed. Edmund 
Kean was Jaffier and Miss O'Neil Belvidera. 
They were playing to a greatly excited house, 
as may well be supposed when two such artists 

were upon the stage. Mr. St. A , who was 

then ballet-master at the theatre, and who, by 
the way, was a most graceful dancer, seeing Mrs. 
Banks,, went up to her to exchange compliments. 
Having done so, Mr. St. A remarked how 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 241 

seldom they had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. 
Banks. "Oh," replied she, "I never come to the 
theatre — not I. There's no good actors nowa- 
days — there ain't anybody worth seeing." " Dear 
me, Mrs, B., how can you say so ? Who have 
we on the stage now? There's Mr. Kean " 
— w Mr. Kean, indeed/' exclaimed Mrs. B., " I can't 
abide him ; he's my abortion." " Well, then, 
what do you think of Miss O'Neil ? " " Miss 
O'Neil ! — Miss O'Neil, indeed ; do you call her a 
hactress? — I can't abide her. There she is — see 
how she lolls and lollups on the fellows — its quite 
disgusting !" Now the fact was that Miss O'Neil, 
who was chastity itself off the stage, and who 
^ead a most blameless life, showed, when performing, 
such abandon and impressment in her actions as 
to be quite remarkable, especially in parts where 
the intensity of passion had to be displayed, and 
this Mrs. Banks " couldn't abide." " Well, then," 

continued Mr. St. A , " who do you call a good 

actor?" " "Who do I call a good actor? — ah ! you 
wait till my dear John Emery comes down, and 
then you'll see a good actor ; and if I live as long, 
I'll make him such a pudding, please God, as he 
hasn't had this many a day !" Old Mrs. Banks was 
about right as to John Emery ; he was an actor of 
the first-class, and has never been replaced in his 
peculiar line. I have seen Emery play Tyke in the 



242 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

" School of Reform." It was a wonderful impersona- 
tion. I have seen nothing like it since. 

It has always appeared to me to be a remarkable 
circumstance that many actors and actresses who 
have been great favourites in the metropolis, have 
not stood in the same light with the Liverpool 
audiences. I have seen, occasionally, some remark- 
able instances of this. Dow ton, a great actor, 
never drew ; James Wallack never attracted large 
audiences. I have seen the whole Adelphi company 
— including Frederick Yates, his charming wife, 
Paul Bedford, John Reeve, 0. Smith, and others- 
fail to draw ; in fact at one engagement they played 
night after night to almost empty benches. This 
was, I think, in 1838. I recollect, on one occasion, 
Yates seeing a band-box on the stage, went up to it 
and gave it a kick, and looking significantly at the 
state of the house, exclaimed, " Get out of my sight 
— I hate empty boxes !" 

Vandenhoff was always a great favourite with 
the Liverpool audiences. There w r as a tremendous 
row once got up at the Theatre Royal, in w 7 hich he 
was concerned. About 1825, I think, Vandenhoff 
went to try his fortune on the London stage, and 
there, if he did not altogether fail, he did not suc- 
ceed commensurate with his great expectations ; and 
after knocking about at several theatres, playing, I 
believe, at some of the minors — the Surrey, Coburg, 
and Sadler's Wells — he came back to Liverpool 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 243 

where a Mr. Salter had taken up the position he 
had vacated. A strong move by Mr. VandenhofFs 
friends was made to reinstate him on the Liverpool 
Tragic Throne. This Mr. Salter's friends would 
not allow. The consequence was that several noisy 
demonstrations took place on both sides, and con- 
siderable confusion was created during the time the 
row was kept up. To show to what length things 
went, I may just mention that placards were freely 
exhibited in the theatre bearing the sentiments on 
them of the particular side which exhibited them. 
I recollect one caused great fun and laughter. It 
was headed " Vandenhoff"' and " Salter-off." 

Kean thought highly of Vandenhoff. I have seen 
a letter of his in which he highly extols him, con- 
sidering his style to be the purest acting since the 
retirement of John Kemble. 

In the autumn of 1824, there was a great 
row at the Theatre Koyal, which was excited in 
favour of Miss Cramer, a most popular and able 
vocalist. At that time the Music Hall in Bold- 
street had just been opened, and concerts were being 
given under the management of Mr. Wilson, the 
dancing master, whose niece by the way (Miss 
Bolton) was married to John Braham, 11 primo tenore 
fEurqpa, as the Italians termed him. Braham has 
often said that this Music Hall was a finer room for 
sound than any that ever he was in ; and at these 
morning concerts he frequently sang. It was the 



$44 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

custom to enlist the aid of the vocalists, if there 
were any, at the Theatre Royal, to add to the 
attractions of these concerts. The manager was 
always willing to allow his singers to avail them- 
selves of the occasion. However, on Miss Cramer 
being offered an engagement, the manager refused 
to allow her to appear. Miss Cramer, feeling the 
injustice of the case, nevertheless sang at one of the 
morning concerts, and was consequently dismissed 
from the Theatre Royal. The young lady instantly 
issued a handbill stating her case, and the conse- 
quence was that the theatre was crowded at night, 
and calls for '" Miss Cramer " were incessant. Mr. 
Banks came forward to justify himself, hoping that 
both sides might be heard, but he could not obtain a 
hearing. At length the audience grew so excited 
that they tore up the seats, smashed a splendid 
chandelier that had only just been purchased at a 
cost of £500, broke all the windows in the house, 
and did a great deal of damage. The row was con- 
tinued on the night but one following, when other 
damage was effected, and it was only by closing the 
theatre for a few days that peace could be restored. 
Some of the rioters were afterwards tried at Lan- 
caster, and, I think, heavily fined. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 245 



CHAPTER XVI. 

In the year 1816, in consequence of the high 
price of provisions, as mentioned in a former 
chapter, many persons rendered desperate by 
their wants, formed themselves into gangs of 
robbers, and committed many daring acts of 
depredation. Travellers were constantly stopped, 
ill-treated, and robbed on the roads in the vicinity 
of the town; and scarcely a day passed, without 
intelligence arriving of some house in the 
outskirts being attacked and plundered. To such 
an extent was. this carried, that people com- 
menced forming themselves into associations for 
their mutual protection. In Toxteth Park, this 
was especially the case, as several very serious 
robberies had been reported in that neighbourhood. 
It must be remembered that at that time Toxteth 
Park was but thinly populated. There were 

only a few good houses in it, occupied by 
16 



246 BECOLLECTIONS OF 

Mghly respectable families, for the salubrious 
air of " the Park," arid the beautiful views of the 
river from many parts of it, gave it attractions to 
those who could live out of town. It was. 
amongst other things, proposed, I recollect, to 
have as protection, large and sonorous bells put 
up on the tops of the houses, so that on the least 
alarm of thieves, the bells might be rung to arouse 
the neighbours. Such precautions will be laughed 
at, now-a-days, but something was necessary to be 
done at that time, when policemen were unknown, 
and personal protection was by no means much 
regarded. It was no uncommon circumstance 
for persons who had occasion to go out at night, 
to carry a brace of pistols with them ; but 
whether they would have had courage to use 
them or not, I cannot say, but the fact of having 
such things at hand, were crumbs of comfort to 
timid people, 

I dare say many of my readers will remember 
having seen in old carriages and gigs, a sort of 
round projection at the back, forming a recess 
from the inside of the vehicle. These boxes were 
used for the purpose of depositing therein a sword 
and pistols, so that they might be ready at hand 
in case of necessity. 

The extent to which robbery was committed in 
Liverpool, at this period, may be judged by the 
following circumstance, which many may still 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 247 

remember. On the particulars being made public 
people were completely terrified at the state to 
which things had arrived, and several families 
living in the suburbs, seriously thought of 
returning to reside in the town again. 

About the month of August, 1810, an old woman 
was been prowling constantly about the vicinity of 
Mr. J. A. Yates' house, in Toxteth Park. She 
made a great many inquiries about the members of 
that gentleman's family, whether there were men- 
servants in the house, and whether a dog was kept. 
In fact, she made herself fully acquainted with Mr. 
Yates" domestic arrangements. This was thought 
nothing of at the time, but the old crone's curiosity 
was recalled to mind after the event took place, 
which I shall briefly mention. 

On the night of Friday, 16th August, 1816, 
about ten o'clock, six men wearing masks, and 
armed with pistols, might have been seen 
approaching Mr. Yates' house. Two of them took 
their position outside as sentinels to give alarm to 
their companions, if necessary. The other four 
approached the back of the. premises, and entered 
i lie house. Passing through the scullery they 
went into the kitchen, where they found a servant- 
maid and a footman. Threatening them with 
instant death if they gave any alarm, one of the 
four remained in the kitchen to watch the girl, 
while the other three compelled the footman to 



248 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

show them over the house. Proceeding up stairs, 
they encountered Mr. J. B. Yates, who was on a 
visit to Mr. J. A. Yates. On seeing the men 
approach, he inquired their business, when one of 
them aimed a blow at him, which, however, fortu- 
nately missed its mark, and only inflicted a slight 
wound on Mr. Yates's mouth. They then ordered 
Mr. Yates to give up his money, which he did; 
tearing further violence. Driving him before them, 
they next entered a room, in which Mrs. J. B. 
Yates was sitting. They compelled her also to 
give up her money, watch, and the jewellery she 
wore. While this was going on, Mr. J. A. Yates 
arrived from Liverpool, and was seized by the two 
rascals stationed outside. They demanded his 
money, putting pistols to his head. Mr. Yates, 
however, with a good deal of nerve, rushed past 
the fellows, threw his watch away, and seized'hold 
of the handle of the door bell, w T hich he rung with 
considerable force. The men, however, again 
seized him, and told him his ringing would be of 
no use, as there were fellows inside who could 
overmaster any effort of his. But the ringing of 
the door-bell had seriously alarmed the party 
within, who were then robbing Mrs. Yates, as 
just mentioned. Snatching up whatever they 
could, which was portable and seemed of value, 
the fellows rushed down stairs, ordering the foot- 
man to open the hall-door. This he did, and 



OLD LIVEUPOOL. 249 

availed himself of the opportunity of making his 
escape. He ran across the fields and speedily 
gave an alarm, but too late to be of any service ; 
for, when assistance arrived, the thieves had 
decamped, taking with them about £14, in money, 
and a quantity of valuable plate and jewellery. 
The man left in the kitchen had contrived to 
secure the stock of plate. Four of the robbers 
w r ere captured in September following, and com- 
mitted to take their trial at Lancaster, where 
they were found guilty and sentenced to death. 
They were hung in October following, and it is a 
rather curious circumstance that the very week 
these men suffered the extreme penalty of the law, 
for their misdeeds, a daring burglary was com- 
mitted one night at the mill near Mr. Yates* 
house, when five sacks of flour were stolen, put 
into a boat in waiting by the mill dam, and suc- 
cessfully carried off. v 

The Waterloo Hotel was originally Mr. Gore's 
house. It was afterwards occupied by Mr. Stani- 
forth, who was in partnership with the present 
Mr. Laird's father as ropers. The roperies occu- 
pied the site of the present Arcades, and extended 
to Berry-street. 

I recollect the Fall Well occupying the site of 
Mr. Alderman Bennet*s warehouse near Rose- 
street. It was covered over with several arches ; 
access to it was obtained down a flight of steps. 



250 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

A tavern was afterwards built on its site, and 
was known for many years as the "Fall Well 
Tavern." It stood at the corner of Kose-street at 
the hack of the Amphitheatre. The Dye-House 
Well was in Greetham-street. I believe access is 
still obtained to the water, at least it was a few 
years ago. The wells on Shaw's brow w r ere all 
laid open when the alteration took place in that 
vicinity. One of the wells was used at an emery 
mill, which was once the cone of a pottery. One 
of the wells was found where the Library is now 
erected. 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 251 



CHAPTER XVII. 

As a young boy and an old man I have seen my 
native town under two very diverse aspects. 

As a boy, I have seen it ranked only as a third- 
rate seaport. Its streets tortuous and narrow, 
with pavements in the middle, skirted by mud or 
dirt as the season happened. The sidewalks 
rough with sharp-pointed stones, that made it 
misery to walk upon them. I have seen houses, 
with little low rooms, suffice for the dwelling 
of the merchant or well-to-do trader — the first 
being content to live in Water-street or Old Hall- 
street, while the latter had no idea of leaving his 
little shop, with its bay or square window, to take 
care of itself at night. I have seen Liverpool 
streets with scarcely a coach or vehicle in them, 
save such as trade required, and the most en- 
lightened of its inhabitants, at that time, could not 
boast of much intelligence, while those who con- 



252 RECOLLECTIONS OF 

stituted its lower orders were plunged in the 
deepest vice, ignorance, and brutality. 

But we should not judge too harshly of those 
who have gone before us. Of the sea-savouring 
greatly were the friends and acquaintances of my 
youth. Scarcely a town by the margin of the ocean 
could be more salt in its people than the men of 
Liverpool of the last century : so barbarous 
were they in their amusements, bull-baitings 
and cock and dog-fightings, and pugilistic en- 
counters. What could we expect when we opened 
no book to the young, and employed no 
means of imparting knowledge to the old ? — 
deriving our prosperity from two great sources 
— the slave-trade and privateering. What could 
we expect but the results we have witnessed? 
Swarming with sailor men flushed with prize 
money, was it not likely that the inhabitants 
generally would take a tone from what they daily 
beheld and quietly countenanced ? Have we not 
seen the father investing small sums in some gal- 
lant ship fitting out for the West Indies or the 
Spanish Main, in the names of each of his 
children, girls and boys ? Was it not natural that 
they should go down to the " Old Dock," or the 
" Salthouse," or the "New Dock," and there be 
gratified with a sight of a ship of which they — 
little folks as they were — were still part-owners ? 
"We took them on deck and showed them where a 



OLD LIVERPOOL 253 

bloody battle had been fought — on the very deck 
and spot on which their little feet pattered about. 
And did we not show them the very guns, and the 
muskets, the pistols and the cutlasses, the shot- 
lockers and magazines, and tell them how the lad, 
scrubbing a brass kettle in the caboose, had been 
occupied as a powder-monkey and seen blood shed 
in earnest ? And did we not moreover tell them 
that if the forthcoming voyage was only successful, 
and if the ships of the enemy were taken — no 
matter about the streams of blood that might run 
through the scuppers — how their little ventures 
would be raised in value many hundredfold — would 
not young imaginations be excited and the greed 
for gain be potent in their young hearts? No 
matter what woman might be widowed — parent 
made childless, or child left without protector — if 
the gallant privateer was successful that was all they 
were taught to look for. And must not such 
teaching have had effect in after life ? 1 have seen 
these things, and know them to be true ; but I 
have seen them, I am glad to say, fade away, 
while other and better prospects have, step by 
step, presented themselves to view. 

As a man, I have seen the old narrow streets 
widening— the old houses crumbling — and the 
salty savouring of society evaporate, and the sea 
influence recede before improvement — education 
and enlightenment of all sorts. Step by step 



S5 4 "RECOLLECTIONS OF 

has that sea-element in my townsmen declined. 
The three-bottle and punch-drinking man is the 
exception now, and not the rule of the table. 
The wide, open street and the ample window- 
is now everywhere to be found, while underneath 
that street the well-constructed sewer carries off 
the germs of disease that in other times rose up 
potently amongst us, and through that window 
comes streaming the sunlight of heaven, cheering 
and gladdening every heart. Scarcely can the 
man of old, who has outlived his generation^ 
believe in the huge edifices that now the merchant 
occupies, or credit his sight, when he looks at the 
great shops that display their costly goods of all 
descriptions, with the best of taste. Nor is there 
a less remarkable aspect presented in the appear- 
ance of the people. Of old one scarcely met a 
well-dressed man — now scores upon scores.. In 
bye-gone times, w r e scarcely beheld a carriage, 
lumbering and uneasy as those things were 
—now we see elegant equipages of every make, 
shape, and build, suitable for every style of 
locomotion. In all things have we progressed ; 
nor are we yet standing still. 

We are doubling our trade. We are doubling 
our imports and exports ; we have been doubling 
them since 1749— about every 1G years. In that 
year the total tonnage of vessels that entered the 
port of Liverpool was 98,950 tons. In 1764 it 



OLD LIVERPOOL. 255 

was 56,499 tons, in 1780 it was 112,000 tons, 
in 1796 it was 224,000 tons, in 1811 it was 
611,190 tons, in 1827 it was 1,225,313 tons, in 
1841 it was 2,425,401 tons, in 1857 it had reached 
4,645,362 tons, so that by the same rule that 
doubled the tonnage of the port, between 1749 
and 1764, the tonnage doubled itself between 1841 
and 1857. It occupied 134 years to produce 
an increase equal to that which had taken place 
between 1841 and 1857. The value of exports 
in the whole kingdom in 1857, amounted to 
£110,000,000 sterling, out of which £55,000,000 
passed through Liverpool alone. One hundred 
and fifty years ago there was not a dock in Eng- 
land. In Liverpool they now extend over five 
miles in length. An hundred years hence ?— and 
what then ? 

His tale being told the old man bids his readers 
farewell. He has chronicled a few odd matters 
relating to his native town. He has spoken of what 
it was. and of what it is. If it increase in wealth 
and extent during the next century as it has done 
in that which is past, our descendants may be so 
much in advance of us in wisdom and knowledge 
as to look slightingly upon us. But if our sons' 
- will only emulate our good and graceful 
actions, and avoid that which in us is wicked and 
ignoble, they will have better reason to be proud 
of their ancestors than we have of ours, or even 
of ourselves. 



•J. F. HUGHES, STEAM-PRINTER, LIVERPOOL. 



nt.K,^5 Y OF CONGRESS 



021 397 099 9 



